How Hong Kong’s last remaining porcelain factory is keeping city’s guangcai heritage alive
Set up in 1928, Yuet Tung China Works produces guangcai porcelain used by luxury hotels in Hong Kong and royal families in Europe
Brush in hand, eyes focused, Hongkonger Anita Tso is in the zone as she carefully paints a fish on a delicate porcelain bowl. It is a design she has drawn countless times.
“I have been painting porcelain for more than 40 years – it is my life,” she says.
Located on the third floor of the Kowloon Industrial Centre in Kowloon Bay, the factory’s sprawling showroom – which encompasses four shops – features floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with plates, bowls, tea sets and vases, many of which are adorned with traditional motifs such as flowers, dragons, phoenixes and carp.
Weaving through the narrow passageways is akin to exploring a giant treasure trove. But it is a tight squeeze, so tread carefully – Yuet Tung China Works has a “you break, you buy” policy.