Date picture taken (to nearest decade for older photos):
1957
A tableau dedicated to monkeys reflects their importance in Chinese culture and folklore. These popular animals are still widely used in contemporary commercial marketing as symbols of wisdom, positivity and happiness. <Read more ...>
Date picture taken (to nearest decade for older photos):
1957
Tableau showing the three famous deities that are commonly seen on temples, ancestral shrines, shops and takeaways, and in almost every Chinese home. Left: FUK (Fuxing) - considered the god of good fortune, he is generally depicted as a scholar, holding a scroll and often a child, or surrounded by children. Middle: Luk (Luxing) - seen as representing prosperity, rank and influence and usually depicted in the dress of a mandarin. Right: Sau (Shauxing) - recognised by his high, domed forehead and the peach which he carries as a symbol of immortality. <Read more ...>
Date picture taken (to nearest decade for older photos):
1957
Dragons are powerful creatures in Chinese mythology. They’re associated with the ability to control the seasons, weather, harvests and good fortune. They also represent power and authority, and in ancient times Emperors were assumed to have descended from dragons.
In Chinese culture the colour of the dragon holds unique symbolism. Blue and green dragons are associated with nature, health, and tranquility.
Date picture taken (to nearest decade for older photos):
1957
My dad told me that visiting the Tiger Balm Garden was a surreal experience. He said some of the sculptures were fun and colourful while some dioramas depicting myths and legends were bizarre and disturbing. Either way, dad said that once you had visited it was a place you remembered forever. <Read more ...>
Date picture taken (to nearest decade for older photos):
1957
The Haw Par Mansion and its adjoining landscaped garden, occupying eight acres of land on the rocky slopes of Tai Hang, Wan Chai was completed in 1936. That year, the Tiger Balm Garden was opened for public enjoyment and, prior to being demolished in 2004, became part of the collective memories of generations of visitors and Hong Kong residents. <Read more ...>
Date picture taken (to nearest decade for older photos):
1957
Although Haw Par Mansion was built for the family of Aw Boon Haw, its name includes that of his brother, Aw Boon Par - co-founder of the Tiger Balm empire. The house is one of the few surviving remnants of the architectural style known as Chinese Eclectic, and was designated a World Heritage site in 2009.
