Chinese Blessings
Reported by Yanni Chow
Photos by Yanni Chow
12 February, 2019
Red couplets have been a long tradition for the Lunar New Year. Yim Keng-tim, aged 94, have been writing Chinese couplets for decades. Down the steps of Circular Pathway in Sheung Wan, the old craftsman hold onto his passion to send blessings to generations.
Chinese couplets of all kinds of blessing written in Chinese calligraphy hanging on the stairs of Ladder Street, Sheung Wan.
People buying antiques on Ladder Street. A few steps away from Yim's stall on Circular Pathway.
A notice sign of Yim's stall and his phone number on Ladder Street. He said it is for customers' convenience when they wish to order and quote the price of customized couplets.
Couplets hanging along the way down to Yim's stall. He said he hanged them everywhere to attract customers, since the location of his stall is rather hidden.
Yim started to own this stall since 1962. He said there used to be more than 10 stalls for Chinese calligraphy. Now he is the only one left.
Yim, a Chinese calligrapher, said the reason why he started writing couplets for happiness. When he is free, he teaches his grandchildren the art of calligraphy too.
Yim settling his tools and furniture. He travels from his home in Kwai Chung to Sheung Wan everyday to operate the stall, except Tuesdays.
The shop sign reads "Tim Kee Spectacles". Yim is also an optometrist. He got the license when he was young to earn a living.
Yim said he writes more than 100 couplets a day during peak seasons such as the Lunar New Year.
He uses gold paint instead of traditional ink when writing calligraphy. "Gold is more auspicious," said Yim.
Yim refuses to sit when writing. He said he was taught to be steady when standing.
Yim has been writing for over 60 years. He has not planned to retire. "I enjoy what I'm doing and it brings joy to other people too," he said.
When there is no business, Yim sits in his chair outside the stall to chitchat with the hawkers nearby. He said interacting with people makes him stay youthful inside.