Q:Can the paper offerings industry be preserved?

In the 1940s and the 1950s, when Mr. Au Yeung was an apprentice in Kam Yuk Lau, he learnt from an experienced master. Nowadays, since the paper offerings shops are usually family-owned, the technique of paper pinching would be taught to the son by the father. Mr. Au Yeung has two sons, and one of them is interested in paper pinching, but the products he made are different from those of his father.

Interviewer:What are the materials used to maketraditional paper offerings?

Mr. Au Yeung:Usually paper and bamboo.

Interviewer:What materials do you son use then?

Mr. Au Yeung:He usually uses cards. When making a camera, you don’t use the traditional materials. A card will do. It looks like a real thing, but it is costly. A ‘Sai Mai Lo’ made by my son can be sold for $300.

His son art work