Hong Kong's Lost Calligraphy

Master Yeung Kai is one of the few calligraphers in Hong Kong who still practises the Beiwei Kaishu calligraphy style for a living. The unique, expressive technique shaped the city’s visual culture for decades, thanks to its widespread use in neon lights and sign boards. Beiwei became the favoured calligraphy style among business owners in the 1950s and ‘60s, as many sought a robust and dynamic style of Chinese characters that would convey confidence to the customers. Despite this, the style is now rapidly disappearing from view.