Are you ready to have your mind blown? Journey with us down the Joss Paper Street(紙紮街), where masterpieces of papercraft offerings reside. Intrigued by these wonders? Then dive deeper into the realm of this unique artistry, where you'll discover the extraordinary craftsmanship of Mr. Ha Chung Kin(夏中建) at the Tin Bo House in Sai Ying Pun.
Mr. Ha has devoted half his life to mastering this intricate art form, even shattering the previous Guinness Record by creating the world’s largest hanging lantern. His breathtaking papercrafts are not just works of art; they've become iconic symbols of Sai Ying Pun. Step off at MTR exit B2, and you'll immediately be greeted by two colossal murals depicting Mr. Ha immersed in his craft. It's an enticing sneak-peek of the mystical journey you're about to embark on. Once inside Tin Bo House, the sight of paper offerings hanging from the ceiling, intermingled with bamboo frames and sheets of paper, against the backdrop of a vibrant joss-paper workspace, is sure to mesmerize you. This visual feast is a rare gem in this increasingly modernized town.
Mr. Ha has achieved what many dream of: transforming passion into a thriving business. His journey began in his father's lion dance business, repairing torn lion heads, and gradually expanded to crafting lanterns, paper boats, and other types of paper offerings. This passion was contagious, inspiring his son to join him in preserving this valuable cultural asset. Today, the house is graced by two masters, each committed to sustaining this precious tradition.
Despite the industry facing an uncertain future due to a lack of new blood, Mr. Ha remains resolute. His firm belief? As long as Taoism exists, this art form will endure. So, he's giving his all to keep this vibrant culture alive, ensuring future generations can appreciate this unique and mesmerizing artistry.