iSurprise Po Wah Paper Craft

Don’t mistake this colourful shop for a toy shop, it is funeral accessories you’re looking at. The Chinese funeral tradition is strongly influenced by the Taoist believe that the deceased to carry on their lives in another world. So no efforts are spared to make sure this new life is a comfortable one.

Au-Yeung Wai Kin (or Uncle Kin for friends) founded Bo Wah in 1963. He learned the trade as an apprentice of an old master and still makes the paper effigies by hand. He takes great pride in his work: “It can take days to research, build, and create. I remind myself that the deceased will be enjoying these items in the underworld. That makes me feel better” says Uncle Kin.

Au-Yeung Ping Chi, second son Uncle Kin, has now succeeded his father’s paper craft shop. He’s been introducing some innovative elements to the old trade and his trendy designs of iPhones, Gucci bags and spicy chicken wings are in great demand. His proud dad says: “Ping-chi made a name for himself within the ‘zi zaat’ world a couple of years ago when he made a paper guitar for late singer-songwriter Koma Wong Ka-kui who died after falling from a stage in Japan.”