Biu Kee Mah-Jong forced to close after more than 50 years hand-crafting mahjong tiles in Hong Kong
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2022
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Tucked away in Hong Kong’s Jordan neighbourhood in Kowloon, Biu Kee Mah-Jong is set to close after more than half a century in business. Third-generation mahjong tile craftsman Cheung Shun-king was told by his landlord on September 29 to move out before November 2, 2022. Once a booming industry for the popular parlour game throughout Southeast Asia, cheaper factory-made sets and rising material costs have made it increasingly difficult for traditional shops to remain in business. Cheung admits small stores like his are bound to disappear altogether.
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I truly hope he can continue his business after renovations. His skills are rare and must be preserved.
I wish I could buy his mahjong set online from overseas. It would make a great gift for my mom to get a handmade mahjong set from a master like him. One of a kind.
初めまして💘よろしくお願いします
I was thinking this too, I wouldn’t mind buying his handcrafted set. Hopefully he could switch to online sales and continue to do work that way! Look to someone or himself that can help set up how to sale online for sure
I wish I was so rich I could just buy him a new location so he can continue to work cause thats what makes him happy.
I was thinking one for my old father, I know he will love a new set. So sad😔
You can still buy industrial made ones. They do offer customized designs too. However, ivory sets are very rare and not encouraged.
Mahjong is a big component of Hong Kong's culture. It's simply sad to see Hong Kong's culture diminishing like this.
Even bigger part of SiChuan & ChongQing's culture.
For every Chinese .
And Filipino culture. One of my aunt who has passed away use to ran an illegal MahJhong tables and card games at her house. This is where she would sell her home made food too lol . Some frozen home made stuff people can take home if they loose or win a Mah Jhong game :) Everyone in the neighborhood knows and they all went there to play lol 😀🤣
He can move to do in Taiwan
It’s a big part of Chinese culture in general tbh
So sad to lose old school crafters especially when there work is so heavily rooted in the culture of the region
that's what happens when you let chinese be in charge. They just want to erase the HK identity bit by bit...
I understand that from the city point of view these type of shops could be unsafe for the shop it self and its neighbors, but the intangible cultural heritage they are carrying is incredibly valuable as well. Maybe the city could find a way to help relocate the shop so we could preserve this cultural heritage and ensure the building safety at the same time. By establishing a area for shops like this could help build a special tourist attraction and it might bring in more money for the city.
What’s unsafe about it
@@Sumi_S Well, have you ever created mahjong?
@@heisenberg744 answering question with question?
@@heisenberg744 no but that doesn’t answer the question
@@Sumi_S I know.
I wonder if there are museums that can protect such cultural heritage, i.e. have master craftspeople like him demonstrate the skills, and also opportunities for people to buy the products. Better than having a virtual display window and then trying to sell mass produced copies at the gift shop
You mean the Hong Kong Museums of History?
Any, but yes that too.
I really like your idea!
I don't think there will be with China trying to exterminate our culture, they're literally banning people from speaking Cantonese on online platforms in China, I think they'll try to prevent it from happening tbh
Hong Kong is a dying culture as a whole, and with many of us including myself moving overseas into Europe, our next generation won't learn Chinese in school, and then the their generation may not speak Cantonese at all
move him into tourist attaction center or something, he is a living relic! even the way he speak cantonese can soothes some of us. bless him.
ah yes put the old man on display
Did you really just call the man a tourist attraction?
@@lunchbox1553 ? he is
@@donnk You guys are seriously calling the man the tourist attraction and you want to stick him into a menagerie? That's super degrading.
@@lunchbox1553 I think he meant his skills
This is dreadful and must be so heartbreaking for the owner. I hope something can be done so this shop does not have to close.
that's what happens when you let chinese be in charge. They just want to erase the HK identity bit by bit...
Maybe doing a collab with Mahjong-themed anime?
@@verifeli : Yeh... you can... I would think of something like that. A game, based on his store. And it is related to mah jong.. and then it could be a cartoon, a storyline, or it could be a maths game. Published and released. Simple, isn't it? But the thing is... HK society is like that, people do not necessarily live or help one another cohesively... and to be fair. People possibly do not relate to one another, as in families.. so they deliberately won't help either. Plus a lot of transient people always.. So.. double won't help. Everybody has their own agendas, and their own goals in life etc. If you go against that flow, people often shouts, and antagonise, and even possibly harm you in some ways. Especially if they find out that you earn more than they do. It is a harder time now to.. earn and to create an economy...
Can we set up a go-fund-me for him to still have a shop somewhere? This is breaking my heart and I don't play mahjong. I can't stand seeing EVERYTHING becoming mass produced by machines. There is no heart in it.
Mahjonng is honestly such a great game that I love playing, and seeing news that a shop that's been up for 50 years, opearting for 3 generations is closing down? That breaks my heart, I pray that Biu Kee Mahjong is able to stay in operation, because that is culture that they're burying...
Business is business, how unfortunate
this is truly saddening. I wish I could buy one for my grandfather he would like it :((( but I also hope he can carry ok his legacy with handcrafting mahjong.
When he heard the news he lost his appetite . Man that feeling is really heartbreaking
This is such a shame. I met Cheung during June of this year and he taught my classmates and I how to carve mahjong pieces as part of a Chinese tradition school camp. You could tell he was really passionate about his craft. Mahjong is such a large part of our culture and we are not putting enough effort to persevere it. I wish I had kept the mahjong piece I carved but unfortunately I moved to a different country and neglected to bring it.
This is sad. I bought a small set from him back in 2019, and he found that he is such a nice man - amiable, likes small talk. I hope the government, or anyone finds some way to support him and his store. Let him continue with his trade.
I agree Mah Jong is a cultural heritage in HK. Everywhere I look I see or hear people playing this game. I am pretty sure the HK Cultural Society could find a way to protect and relocate this last bearer of HK culture somewhere. I do agree with him on the troubles of reopening. It's not as easy as it sounds because there's miles upon miles of red tape to go through and years of waiting between processes. It really is a pain.
Is it so hard to admit it is Chinese culture?
@@VashtheStampede007 is it so hard to see the word hk
@@mrturtle1128 1. Majong was not invented in the Chinese city of Hong Kong. 2. Hong Kong is just a city in China. Locals there are Chinese genetically.
@@VashtheStampede007 Something you probably dont understand is that China is trying to get rid of the Catonese speaking language. They’re trying to dissolve Hong Kong as its own place, which it’s main language is Cantonese. They’re trying to reform people to speak Mandarin and are getting rid of Cantonese speaking movies as well. Thus the difference stated by the original commenter is fine. As someone who is Chinese and speaks Cantonese, I would hate for Hong Kong to be talked about as if it wasn’t it’s own thing separate from Mandarin China. Sure it’s a city, but Mah Jong is still culturally part of that city, which means the first commenters comment is correct.
@@heartsDmise by the way, 2019 HK riot was a color revolution sponsored by you-know-who. At the time, NED (a CIA funding front) has all of the HK riot organizers on their funding receipt list.
I visited that place a year ago it felt cozy and mumble I’m really sad it’s closing
初めまして💘よろしくお願いします
@@user-kd6tf4fn1o nice to meet u too
@@ao2415 he is spamming on videos
Unfortunately, people are opting for mass produced mahjong sets rather than customized sets. Can't find many of these shops in mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore anymore.
that's what happens when you let chinese be in charge. They just want to erase the HK identity bit by bit...
i really want a set even though i don't even play mahjong
初めまして💘よろしくお願いします
Hand craftmanship is so important for culture preservation ❤️
Mahjong is really a part of centuries old Chinese culture. It helps one to have better analytical minds & more alert especially old folks. I think it's a waste if the art of making hand crafted mahjong is lost for HK. Hope the Chinese authorities will think a way to preserve this dying trade & art for future generations to come.
In the end, not enough people are buying traditional mahjong for a huge sum of money. That's the main problem.
Otherwise, the old man could just relocate to any place in HK, however due to li ka shing and co, prices are unreasonable (basically, new york and double it).
If the building is illegal, then why gov still collect rent, water bills, electrical bills. They are also doing illegal business. And gov allow this building to be there so long then now say all have to move. Hope this business can be located somewhere near
Because the govt want the land back
I'm so sorry for his loss. I hope he will find a new place to practice his craft. I wish I could afford to buy a mahjong set. Love From Canada !!!
Old people who's retiring sometimes get sick easily, my grandpa was a truck driver his whole life, forced to retire by my aunts. He get sick soon enough and now he's one of those old people who's waiting fot things to end.
So much respect for older generations. They have been working non stop to create a better tomorrow. Nowadays, we got people standing on the streets waiting for the federal government to pay their a$$es.
I don't have any idea the whats or hows of mahjong but I remember the elders of my community coming together in the afternoons to pass the time back in the days. I don't support gambling but I would love to have a set or two of such craftsmanship in my home...a memento of my fondest memories of those sweet grandmas & grandpas. It will also be a great honor... the crafts of a master like him deserves appreciation from every generation❤
I wish i could buy his mahjong tiles online and support him.
So very sad for him. It takes great skill and we need him to continue this work.
Hong Kong is changing and not always for the better. Sad!
It's better now....safer.
This is extremely sad to hear. Wish I could buy a set from overseas. Mahjong is almost synonymous with HK. I love going there but nowadays with the mainland sticking its nose in everything and wanting to take HK heritage and individuality away…where will it end.
You honestly think people from mainland China don't play mahjong? Who do you think are making these mahjong tiles? Of course, you will never see this comment and have your moronic view challenged
The government saying that the building is illegal is super sus. It’s been there for so many years already, so why now? Everything must be accountable, especially in this case.
初めまして💘よろしくお願いします
Probably to benefit real estate tycoons like Li Ka-shing
I agree with you. I think it's just a excuse for government causa it's not logic to wait for 50 years to to come with notice to close the shop. I think it's because that's place quite suitable for their next project
Maybe for the fact that this building is over 50 years old and needs to be torn down.
@@douglei4413 in other countries they tend to preserve the building through retrofitting and the shops located there instead.
Hope government provide him with a new shop so that he can carry on with his business !!! I believe this is gonna happen for sure since it's one of last few shops and this a traditional and artistic marvel for china for sure !!!
I would love a set to bad no online orders. I am in America an would play every day..
I prefer you download these videos with voice narration and subtitles. Really hate watching news without voice narration.
Your craft is priceless and beautiful
if he sells online , imma get one for sure
Hope everything goes well for this grandpa🙏
It’s quite sad for all these traditional mahjong makers because nowadays people order mahjong sets online and skip the hassle.
should have made a website
I really hope he keeps his shop, It's like neglecting his passion if his store is completely closed. The next generation wont be able to admire his works and learn how to do this craft. For him its not just for earning money its his love for the craft.
No. We still have a set from them bought my cousin back in the 90s. My Mom, Aunt, Uncles still use them to this day.
this is so sad. SG has a mahjong culture and i would love to buy for my friends and family :’)
hope he gets to keep it
Can someone set up a website for him so we can all buy?
I want a set from him..😩❤️
Pls continue, this is a dying art
This is heartbreaking
Remember when cities and villages were the designated cultural areas, and people, not factories, were important?
I love mahjong. This should be preserved, this handmade
That’s very sad
Relocate them. PLEASE
Sad news ! I hope his shop will be able to keep running 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
This guy must have been there for 30 years looking at the photos.
How come the building is found to be illegal after 30 years???
I could understand it might take the government one or 2 years to find illegal structures and notify the tenants but 30 years is ridiculous.
It must be a new policy.
The government is paid by Li Ka Shing, it's not something new anywhere in the world.
I mom not only loves but she is a professional mahjong player. It’s an art and a skill thats been past down from generations in the Chinese culture. It’s a nation treasure that needs to be preserved.
He can open an online shop. Less overhead and reach more customers.
So? Factory made are still cheaper and materials are just as expensive. A single owner cant compete with large companies.
@@RedsHitpostMedia
That's the beauty of capitalism
ordered! To close! 👍
Why is store forced to close
Is it not possible to open an online store? So he can do this beautiful work from home?
Anywhere here in South East Asia, Mah-jong, is even significant to each countries' Chinese- influenced tradition.
Economy so hard for small family businesses old traditions being lost because of it
His store may be force to shut down but I hope someone takes him in. His skills should not be gone to waste just because we live in a modern world.
Speaking as an avid mahjong player, how is his skill useful in a modern world?
Factory made mahjong is cheaper and faster to make than handcrafted one.
Your mahjong shop should be a protected landmark!
I really hope he can continue his business tho...when I was a kid I always played mahjong (even though it's in my computer)
Wonder whatll happen. He doesnt want to open another shop...
I hope that he finds a location. Whether it is a shared one with some of the other cultural workshops as well. Has he considered maybe sharing a workshop space with somebody? Tidy up his store, and then file all his admin stuff into one place. And then reframe those lovely photos. Or to use them to create a new and creative cover and nice and modern card. (Or a traditional card.) Then create a newer and simple but modern website to let his customers know. Then have an opening light buffet party or something, for a low price, and let his friends mingle and chit chat about their mah jong gaming experiences. Can do a "mah jong" chit chat dim sum midnight snack night/podcasts as well... ! Lots of things to do... !
I used to buy Mahjong paper at this shop
Maybe online and homebased with pre order systems can keep the business ongoing. A shop in Amazon and a Whatsapp number might keep the old tradition alive.....
This is so sad. An art form lost. My heart is breaking, for the people of Hong Kong. So many pointless changes; oppression, for oppression’s sake.
Well, blame Li Ka Shing for this.
Please ask china finance minister to do whatever it is to make CCB Indonesia (mcor)stock price to go up.. Just Make any issues, buy more stock from 60% to 80% or, merge to others small bank, or buy others bank to become digital bank under CCB Indonesia or any others such as all trade between Indonesia China must use CCB ... Please maintain the price CNY 0.10 (10 cent Chinese money) or above.. Now the share at CNY 0.04.. Highest at CNY 0.16.. Going down for 5 years more..
Oh no :(
He should have pivoted his business to hand make high end mahjong tiles and charged way more. Be the go to person with the best tiles money can buy. Use premium materials and hand carve every piece. I'm sure there's a market for that instead of competing with mass produced tiles
I wonder what is the last tile that he crafts.
This warmed my heart!
So sad that old
traditional arts and crafts, games and clothing shops disappear every day.......
that's what happens when you let chinese be in charge. They just want to erase the HK identity bit by bit...
Can someone help him set up shop online. I would gladly purchase
How can i buy from his shop ?
It's saddening really, seems like the only news coming from HK is these long standing cultural/heritage sites closing down one by one.
Please help him 🙏😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
This is very 😢😭 sad
Wish I can a set of mahjong….
Chinese stores and amazon exist for a reason
It is important to clarify that this shop is located in Hong Kong.
So sad for him. I play Mahjong online. Maybe I don't play right but it is a big part of your culture.
A short train ride away and you can get a mahjong set at much much lower price. How is he going to compete? It's sad. But that's the way it is.
😢 sad to HK like this
Can I order a set from this guy online?
my tuition is near to his shop
May i know where can we get the mahjong tiles from him eventho its closed?😢
Can someone tell me how I can get in touch with the shop owner to place an order? Thanks in advance.
Simple. Go online and do a search. It shouldn’t take you more than a minute to find his address and phone number.
Nooo I love Mah-Jong please don't close
Can someone tell me the name of the tool he is using at 1:00 please
i love mahjong🙂
Dnt force the old man business shop close, even in my places in queens New York, there r some old (memory of our childhood) stores or some dffnt country or culture stores n some of our favorite restaurants r closing it down too, cuz some of them said the rent is costing much higher or just getting too expensive, so it’s keep going closing one after another too. I hate force Business closing down.
Strange you can rent for so long but not own.......
点解唔用木头做呢？
This Is Unacceptable. This Man Better Get to Keep His Store.
This is why arts and craft is non profitable
@@leoncraftmc oh is it? or is it because blinded people think it's not profitable or anything that matters
初めまして💘よろしくお願いします
@@leoncraftmc your profile picture is an example of an art that became one of the most profitable in the world. Educate yourself
@@derpedfox It wouldn’t be successful without computer science advancements. How about you educate yourself?
Very sad.
FORCED!!!!!!!
Send $$$ to support this oldman crowfunding now everybody
I met him always
That is life. Some where there is a small house factory can make 5x times of product in 1 day. With kids as workers. So yeah. Quantity not quality. Sad.
hongkong is changing very fast
Yah, into a totalitarian State!!!
Goodbye Hong Kong