Woodcraft Artisans Celebrate Heritage of Carpentry in Hong Kong in Exhibition of Furniture, Carving and Decorations

In the 1950s and 60s, timber yards and saw­mills were common sights in Hong Kong, the industry feeding construction, shipbuilding and furniture making.

“The timber industry was flourishing back then,” says Penelope Luk, creative director of Crafts on Peel, a charitable organisation that helps revive traditional crafts.

Luk says the industry suffered when Hong Kong’s “economic paradigm shifted to finance and tourism”. Other factors that led to the decline of timber yards included a flood of cheap imported furniture and a shift in manufacturing to mainland China.

To celebrate this new wave, Luk has co-curated “Stories Encapsulated: Wood”, an exhibition of work by traditional craftsmen and contemporary artisans at Crafts on Peel, in Central, that runs until May 21.

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Twenty artists have been involved with the project, which highlights the use of mortise and tenon joints, which date back 7,000 years. “No glue, screws or machines, or expensive materials have been used – we want the audience to appreciate the wisdom and craftsmanship used to make these pieces,” she says.

“Wood is a gift from nature; it is a tactile, living material,” Luk says. “These objects are not just an extension of a tree’s life but also manifestations of the relationship with the craftsmen who give the objects a soul. This exhibition tells each craftsman’s story and their emotional connection to the objects they have created.”

Co-curator Ken Chow, a carpenter and founder of Hong Kong’s Yat Muk Studio, wants the public to appreciate the hard work and perseverance behind the pieces.

“With this exhibition,” says Chow, “we want to connect Hong Kong craftsmen from different fields and explore the possibilities of the material, as well as exchange and learn new techniques and skills.”

Visit craftsonpeel.com for more details