The secret behind the screen : a tale of Hong Kong's pawnbroking business

Abstract

High counter top, full-height screen in front of main hall and accompanied with narrow staircase, which never see another end, pawnshop seems very mystery to everyone. Never having visited a pawnshop before, the author interviewed and tried to unfold this mysterious mask. Pawnbroking business is an interesting traditional business. It is full of old traditions and customs. Through more than eight months of research and several interviews, the author has documented and analyzed this old business in Hong Kong.

Pawnbroking business is an ancient trade in the world. Although different countries have different traditions and practices, it is believed that it originated from a temple in China. It can be traced back to AD420-589. Sharing the same origin with China, Hong Kong pawnbroking business is still keeping its traditional business practices. However, little literature about the Hong Kong pawnbroking business can be found. Published documentations about the topic are not based on in-depth research. Besides, the general public and scholars tend to focus on the pawnshop building with little attention on its traditional trade.

This paper aims to recognize the tangible and intangible features of pawnbroking by documentation of a traditional pawnshop in Hong Kong. Through the understanding of its significance, hopefully a way to preserve this traditional trade can be determined, raising the general public’s and scholar’s attention and keeping it sustainable in the future.