From "Cantonese" exportware to "Hong Kong-style" ingenuity : examining Hong Kong-style Canton porcelain as an ICH for Hong Kong under craftsmanship and its future for inheritance

Abstract

Hong Kong-style Canton Porcelain (港式廣彩, HKCP) is one of the sunset industries in Hong Kong and is solely supported by Yuet Tung China Works (粤東瓷廠) located in Kowloon Bay. All porcelain wares of this industry are overglazed by the only four surviving masters of the workshop. This shows that there is a high risk of disappearance if no protective action is taken. This research looks into HKCP using the case study of Yuet Tung China Works to investigate its recognition as a tradition craftsmanship. Traditional craftsmanship is one of the five domains identified under UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The study examines whether HKCP can be qualified as a UNSECO intangible cultural heritage (ICH) to be inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of the Urgent Safeguarding (Urgent Safeguarding List), and how it can be inherited. Supported by a review of the literature related to HKCP and ICH, the research also relies on an interview with Mr Tso (owner of Yuet Tung China Works) for data collection. The history, development and uniqueness of HKCP compared to Canton Porcelain are elucidated, which highlights its urgent need for heightened recognition and protection. Challenges and limitations of current safeguarding measures are also identified. To facilitate its conservation as a traditional craftsmanship, HKCP is assessed against UNESCO’s five criteria to evaluate its potential to be included on the Urgent Safeguarding List. The analysis proves that through community involvement and consent HKCP has high potential to be recognized as an ICH. This recognition comes at two levels, the local level that includes its listing on Hong Kong’s ICH inventory. However, this local recognition is not adequate. The research reveals that HKCP warrants more safeguarding measures to sustain itself, which can be achieved through its recognition at an international level as a UNESCO ICH. Through this global support, it is hoped that more attention can be granted to HKCP demonstrating the uniqueness of Hong Kong to the world.