Antiquities
Rediscovering a Piece of Our Heritage
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Recently rediscovered in an old warehouse, this century-old wooden signboard is an original artefact from Yuen Hing (源興), the Mak family's historic paper-trading business established in Hong Kong nearly a century ago.. Known traditionally as a 金漆招牌 (gilt-lettered shop signboard), its gold calligraphy against a dark lacquered wooden background reflects the craftsmanship and commercial traditions of old Hong Kong. Preserved through generations, this remarkable piece of our family's history serves as a tangible reminder of our entrepreneurial roots and the enduring legacy of the Mak family.
Calligraphy
Also rediscovered were these remarkable traditional Chinese calligraphic couplets (對聯), meticulously embroidered onto silk and housed in intricately carved wooden frames. Originally associated with Yuen Hing (源興), the Mak family's historic paper-trading business, the inscriptions celebrate the origins of Chinese papermaking and the legacy of the trade. These rare examples of traditional craftsmanship have survived generations and are currently undergoing specialist conservation and restoration in Singapore, preserving an important part of the Mak family's commercial and cultural heritage for future generations.
Suanzhi Frames
The frames themselves are significant historical artefacts, handcrafted from Suanzhi wood (酸枝木), a traditional Chinese hardwood valued for its durability, distinctive grain and use in fine furniture and decorative craftsmanship. Dating back approximately 100 years, the frames reflect the traditional woodworking techniques and craftsmanship of their era. The original wooden supports and fragile backing, revealed during conservation, offer a rare glimpse into the construction methods used to preserve these embroidered works.
Having survived generations, both the silk embroideries and their original Suanzhi frames are now undergoing specialist conservation and restoration in Singapore.