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The Kowloon emperor Zeng Zaocai's "Calligraphy" was suspected of being crossed as a promulgation. The Highways Department has called the police

2021-04-23T19:57:50.638Z


Zeng Zaocai, known as the "Kowloon Emperor", had graffiti on the streets from time to time during his lifetime. His works were spread all over the territory of Hong Kong and became a collective memory of Hong Kong people, but now there are very few works left. Earlier, the Highways Department painted the piers of the Kwun Tong Bypass


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Written by: Wang Jieen

2021-04-23 18:05

Last update date: 2021-04-23 19:44

Zeng Zaocai, known as the "Kowloon Emperor", had graffiti on the streets from time to time during his lifetime. His works were spread all over the territory of Hong Kong and became a collective memory of Hong Kong people, but now there are very few works left.

Earlier when the Highways Department was doing a paint renovation project for the Kwun Tong Bypass bridge pier, it was accidentally discovered that there was a "calligraphy treasure" on the pier that was suspected of being Tseng Shao Choi. Later, the construction was requested to stop.

However, some district councillors discovered that the "calligraphy" on the bridge piers was crossed with red paint, which even covered the original black letters.

He said that the Highways Department has reported the incident to the police. He also claimed that many "propaganda" in the area had been cross-painted with spray paint. This is similar to the encounter with "Calligraphy", but the identity or motive of the graffiti maker this time is unknown.

In response to enquiries, the Highways Department stated that the department had completed the paint renovation of the bridge piers and kept the ink as suggested. However, it was discovered that the ink was damaged by graffiti recently, so it has notified relevant departments and called the police for handling.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department pointed out that, generally speaking, the Department will only repair museum exhibits or collections.

Tsang Tsao Choi's "calligraphy" at the Kwun Tong bypass bridge pier was accidentally exposed due to an accident, but was recently crossed with red paint, which even covered the original black lettering.

(Kwun Tong District Councillor Li Weilin Facebook)

Kwun Tong District Councillor Li Weilin said that he discovered that "Calligraphy" had been crossed this morning and had already contacted the Highways Department. The department stated that it had already reported the incident to the police.

He also pointed out that when the "calligraphy" was first exposed, the Highways Department and relevant departments had been asked to preserve it, but so far there has been no consensus on the preservation plan.

He said that if the government department dealt with it decisively, this incident could be avoided. Frankly, it is a pity that "the entire plastic frame is not really difficult."

Li Weilin pointed out that according to his understanding, many "proposals" in the district had been painted with crosses with spray paint, similar to what happened to "calligraphy" this time.

He said frankly that he did not know the identity or motives of the graffiti artist this time. "The calligraphy is all painted. It really doesn't matter." He hopes that the authorities can clean the red paint well in the future without affecting the original work.

Looking through the information, the "calligraphy" involved was exposed last month.

At that time, the Highways Department was doing a paint renovation project for the bridge piers of the Kwun Tong Bypass. Later, it was discovered that there was a suspected writing of Zeng Shao Choi. The Department requested the contractor to stop work and temporarily cover it with tape, and notified the Home Affairs Bureau to follow up.

The Department also pointed out that in 2006, the bridge piers were painted and refurbished, and it is believed that the handwriting found this time was covered in 2006 or before.

Only two conserved works were sold for one million yuan

Zeng Zaocai died of a heart attack in 2007, and many of his "calligraphy" have faded.

At present, the government only conducts conservation and installs plastic covers to protect them, including the stone pillars of the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui, and the electric light poles on Kwun Tong Road near Ping Shek Village.

In 2019, it was discovered that "calligraphy" was hidden under the Garden Road bridge in the Central Cable Car, but no protection measures have been seen so far.

In 2009, Zeng Zaocai’s calligraphy and photos of graffiti under the Lion Rock were also sold for 212,500 yuan, seven times higher than the reserve price; in 2017, Zeng Zaocai’s works were sold for 175,000; "It even hit a high price of one million Hong Kong dollars.

Highways Department: Reported to the police

In response to enquiries, the Highways Department stated that the department had completed the paint renovation of the bridge piers and retained the above-mentioned ink as suggested. However, it was discovered recently that the ink was damaged by graffiti, so it has notified relevant departments and called the police for handling.

The department also reiterated that after the suspected Zeng Saocai ink was found on the bridge piers on March 23, it had notified the Home Affairs Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Afterwards, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department conducted on-site inspections and initially found that the ink stains had faded and peeled off. In addition, the ink stains were located under the seams of the flyover pillars. Therefore, it is not recommended to install protective devices to avoid accelerating the increase in humidity, leading to the growth of insects and mold.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has filmed the ink for future reference.

Leisure and Cultural Services Department: generally only repair museum exhibits or collections

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department pointed out that in 2017, it conducted an investigation on the ink marks of Tseng Zaocai. There are eight ink marks that have been recorded. The department will conduct regular inspections and record the status of the ink marks, and have installed protective covers for two of them. .

The Department also pointed out that, generally speaking, only museum exhibits or collections will be restored, and related ink will be filmed and recorded, and when necessary, the department responsible for the venue will provide professional advice on cultural relic conservation.

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The truth is revealed!

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01News

All-Emperor Zeng Zaocai of Kowloon

Source: hk1

All news articles on 2021-04-23

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