The origin of Hong Kong's collection culture can be traced back to the 1940s and 50s. To collectors, historical relics reflect people’s habits and preferences in the old ages. Each historical piece has an interesting story behind or owns a historical significance that attracts collectors. At Wah Kee Shop, you will find different kinds of antiques such as exotic stones, old banknotes, silver coins, natural agate carvings. In fact, antiques displayed at Wah Kee are collected over the last 30 years by the shop owner. Now he is selling his hunted treasures to the public. It is not only because of luck that he is willing to part with his treasures, he also wants to promote Hong Kong’s collection culture.
The shop owner said he has had the habit of collecting since the 1980s, which is also Hong Kong’s economic golden age. Professionals in different industries earned handsome amount of money and they began to collect things such as stamps and old banknotes. As for the collection of Wah Kee Shop, they mainly originated from the period after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, but before the Cultural Revolution, during when art pieces were created to export and earn foreign currencies. These art pieces have a strong trace to the early Republic of China period. One of the examples is the soap boxes made between the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, during when soap boxes were precious commodities and they were all packed in china boxes. Each of them was painted with unique patterns. There were also rare wooden cricket boxes. Cricket fighting is an entertainment activity originated from the palaces of the Tang Dynasty. This game was later somehow passed on to the civilians. The small wooden boxes are exquisitely designed. It conveys the characteristics of an ancient entertainment culture.
As for what items should be collected? The owner said that everyone has their own preference. As long as you start it off and keep doing it, you will gain knowledge on it. Explore the hobby, learn from other experts, and you will find your own realm of collection.