Nam Cheong Pawn Shop
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At TNX, we focus on rescuing neon signs from our streets, which face removal due to stricter building regulations. We dismantle, restore, and preserve these signs, bringing them back to life through both small and large exhibitions. To honour their history and significance to our local culture, we document the story behind the sign with photographs and videos. Additionally, we share the stories of the sign owners, detailing the background of each sign.
From Hollywood blockbusters to Wong Kar-Wai films, neon signage stands as an iconic symbol of Hong Kong. These signs represent our visual identity and heritage and are an essential part of the city's vibrant energy. In the post-war era, Hong Kong transformed into a dazzling display of colours, with its neighbourhoods illuminated in a spectacular array, contributing significantly to the city's rise as a thriving metropolis. These signs have shaped Hong Kong's dynamic spirit, capturing the attention of both local and international audiences for years.
Over time, neon signs have continued to evolve, with local artisans skilfully sculpting, bending, and blowing delicate, gas-filled glass tubes into a variety of shapes and designs. Each sign carries a unique and compelling story that reflects the business's goals and aspirations.
What follows is a visual narrative of the Nam Cheong Pawn Shop, it could not have been put together without the support from the Ko family to which this book is dedicated.
We hope you enjoy exploring this collection of images!
Nam Cheong Pawn Shop: A Legacy of Heritage and Change.
The Nam Cheong Pawn Shop, a cherished establishment owned by the Ko family, has proudly operated for over 90 years. Originally known as "Tung On Pawn Shop," the building, located at the vibrant intersection of Nam Cheong Street and Yu Chau Street, was constructed in the 1920s. It was rebranded in the 1950s and currently stands as a Grade III historic building, having been upgraded from Grade II status in 1999.
Architectural Splendour
Spanning approximately 800 square feet, the tenement building features the Nam Cheong Pawn Shop signage prominently displayed on each floor, along with charming vent windows.
Architectural Splendour
The balcony overlooking Nam Cheong Street, supported by two imposing pillars, forms an inviting arcade alongside neighbouring tenement buildings.
The sign
The shop's distinctive design prominently features the double happiness character ("囍"), a symbol of good fortune that embodies the enduring legacy of the Ko family. The striking red and white hues of the neon lights, along with the double happiness trademark, ensure that the ten family businesses are easily recognized from afar.
The shape of the design represents a bat holding a coin. The bat symbolizes luck, while the coin signifies wealth—an emblem that all pawn shops in Hong Kong have traditionally embraced.
The calligraphy adorning the signs reflects the artistry of whoever managed the business at the time, bridging ancestors and predecessors to the present day. It’s as if they speak out from generations past, connecting the family’s history to their current endeavours.
These neon signs are not just beautiful; they are true works of art that demand exceptional craftsmanship to create and maintain. They have signified the family’s deep-rooted involvement in Hong Kong’s prosperity and cultural tapestry for nearly a century.
Throughout various historical photographs of the business and its buildings, the signs have always stood as a steadfast presence. More than mere advertisements, these neon signs are vital to the identity and an integral part of the building's cultural heritage.
Evolving Trade Practices
While the nature of pawned items has evolved—from everyday household goods to shimmering gold jewelry and cutting-edge electronics—the pawnbroking industry continues to thrive with remarkable resilience. Today, pawnshops are not just financial institutions; they are vibrant community hubs that adapt to the ever-changing financial landscape.
These shops have become popular gathering places for foreign domestic workers, who value the quick and accessible financial solutions they provide. With their unique blend of tradition and modernity, pawnshops are more than just places to exchange goods; they are essential lifelines connecting people to their dreams and needs!
The Pawnbroking Legacy
Nam Cheong Pawn Shop was founded by the legendary Ko Ho-ning, famously known as the "King of Pawnbroking" in Hong Kong! Since the groundbreaking legalization of pawnbroking in 1926, this iconic shop has been at the forefront of the pawn industry’s incredible evolution. Witnessing the vibrant changes and challenges over the decades, Nam Cheong stands as a testament to resilience and innovation in a dynamic marketplace.
Iconic Sign and Its Imminent Demise
Sadly, the iconic "Bat Holding a Coin" (蝠鼠吊金錢) neon signs of Nam Cheong Pawn are now in peril! The building department has ordered its removal, citing regulatory issues that not only threaten this cherished symbol but could also dim the vibrant light of history. Will this beloved landmark be silenced, or can it find a way to keep shining?
This decision to remove the signs has sparked outrage among heritage conservation groups and local citizens, who lament the loss of yet another significant landmark in Sham Shui Po.
A Community Connection
The recent removal of neon signs has captivated the hearts of many residents, who find themselves wistfully reminiscing about their childhood days, illuminated by the enchanting glow of neon lights.
In this shared moment of nostalgia, voices echo a collective yearning to preserve the exquisite beauty of the signs, a vivid testament to the district's rich and vibrant history. Passersby pause in reverence, capturing the sign's essence through their lenses, recognizing its indispensable role as a cherished emblem of Hong Kong's distinctive identity.
A New Chapter for our neon sign
Faced with the challenging decision to remove the neon signs, the Ko family partnered with Tetra Neon Exchange, passionate advocates for neon art in Hong Kong. Tetra Neon Exchange promised to preserve and publicly display this masterpiece, truly valuing its significance said Mr. Kwok, the manager of Nam Cheong Pawn Shop. We’re excited to collaborate with a partner who shares our commitment. Together, we’re not just preserving history; we’re shining a light on our neon heritage for future generations to enjoy” he explained.
Whilst the legacy of Nam Cheong continues to resonate, the demolition of the sign marks the end of an era.
As we witness the removal of these dazzling relics from a bygone era, we celebrate the vibrant evolution of the pawn industry—it’s remarkable transformations and the challenges it has bravely faced!
The signs once stood proudly as a bold testament to Nam Cheong's unwavering resilience and groundbreaking innovation in the ever-evolving world of pawn in Hong Kong!
They have been a beacon of the pawn industry’s thrilling evolution since the groundbreaking legalization of pawnbroking in 1926. If only they could speak, they would weave a tapestry of unforgettable stories—tales of dreams, treasures, and transformations that have shaped generations!
The signs have been hung for over eight decades, carrying the memories of generations and the echoes of time.
The Future of Nam Cheong Pawn Shop
Faced with the challenging decision to remove the neon signs, the Ko family partnered with Tetra Neon Exchange, passionate advocates for neon art in Hong Kong. Tetra Neon Exchange promised to preserve and publicly display this masterpiece, truly valuing its significance said Mr. Kwok, the manager of Nam Cheong Pawn Shop. We’re excited to collaborate with a partner who shares our commitment. Together, we’re not just preserving history; we’re shining a light on our neon heritage for future generations to enjoy” he explained.
After the removal of our iconic sign, we joined forces with the same talented neon artisans to craft new designs that meet today’s building codes. Although the new sign is more compact, it has quickly become our vibrant new trademark said Mr. Kwok. “Of course we would have preferred to preserve the old sign, the new sign is only one-third the size of the original,” he lamented, “The old one carried sentimental value, but we cherish the hope that it will nevertheless forge a lasting connection with our ancestors and predecessors, continuing to speak to us from generations past, just as it always has.”
Tetra Neon Exchange (TNX) is a non-profit organisation headquartered in Hong Kong. We specialise in rescuing neon signs from our streets, particularly those targeted for removal due to increased building regulations. We help to dismantle, restore, preserve, and then bring these signs back to life by showcasing them through both small- and large-scale exhibitions.
To further preserve their history and cultural significance, we have documented the sign-removal process through photographs and videos. We have also included stories told by the sign owners, explaining the background of each sign.
We hope you have enjoyed this collection of images.
SIGN REMOVAL PROCEDURE
Every sign removal is a unique challenge, and no two are ever quite the same. We approach each case with careful attention to its distinct factors, from the different parties involved to the sign’s location, its condition, and the time constraints. This tailored approach ensures that every removal is handled smoothly, efficiently, and with the precision it deserves.
1. Engage with the Business:
We begin by approaching the concerned business to confirm if they are willing to donate the neon sign to TNX.
2. Quotation Support:
Upon agreement, we assist the business in obtaining a removal quotation from a local contractor. Costs typically vary based on factors such as the sign’s size, its position on the building, the need for scaffolding, and whether the removal must occur outside regular working hours.
3. Sign Removal Day:
On the scheduled day, the contractor carefully dismantles the sign. The sign may come down as a whole piece or cut into smaller sections for safe removal. In some cases, only the lettering is removed, leaving the metal support structure intact.
4. Safety Inspection:
After lowering the sign, the neon master inspects the tubing to determine whether, for safety reasons, they should be detached from the signage.
5. Documentation:
If the letters are to be removed, the neon master meticulously records their shape, size, and calligraphy style by creating detailed paper patterns.
6. Safe Packing:
The removed neon tubes are carefully packed into ‘beehive’ style containers designed to protect the delicate glass tubes during transport.
7. Warehouse Storage:
Finally, the sign components are transported to the TNX warehouse, where they are securely stored in preparation for restoration.
Acknowledgements
Tetra Neon Exchange Limited extends its gratitude to all the individuals, groups, and organisations who have contributed images to this book. While the contributors are not identified by name, their collective input and involvement are also gratefully acknowledged. We also respect the rights of everyone represented.
A special thank you goes to the owner of the neon signboard, whose generous donation illuminated our project. Your willingness to share your knowledge and stories has added a rich layer of authenticity and inspiration to our work.
To our dedicated editors and translators: Your invaluable insights and meticulous attention to detail have ensured that every page resonates with joy and wonder, creating an immersive experience for our audience.
And to our readers, we are profoundly grateful for your enthusiasm and curiosity. You motivate us to continue crafting stories that spark imagination and foster a love for the vibrant world of neon.
This book stands as a tribute to the vibrant culture and craftsmanship that keep the neon lights shining bright, reminding us of the beauty in our shared experiences. Thank you all for being an essential part of this journey. Your support fuels our passion and creativity!