OUR STORY
The Past and The Present
The Wong’s Family holds one of the largest collections of Chinese stone sculptures in the world. The great grandfather of the current successor, is a big landlord and merchant in Jiangsu China with a thing for antiques (particularly Chinese horses).
Mr. Wong Tat Sun, son of the original collector and grandfather of the current successor has followed his family’s journey of collecting – he was more of a serious collector than his father and expanded the collection by ‘hundred times’.
During the time when Japan invaded China, the war not only heavily impacted the people, but also left many Chinese national treasures such as stone sculptures, pottery figures, and even furniture damaged and scattered in the wildness. Mr. Wong Tat Sun was deeply touched and was determined to do whatever he can to save these national treasures from the war-torn environment.
It was during this time, Mr. Wong Tat Sun and his family decided to fled to Hong Kong and once settled he was one of the founding members of the Yick Fung Factory (益豐陶瓷廠) and Gold Coin / Tin Qian Pai vacumn flask Factory (金錢牌熱水瓶廠) which manufactured porcelain bowls/basins/cups, and thermos flasks which were quite popular with the average family and become synonymous in their daily lives during the time. It was during this time, businesses were doing well, and his wealth grew along with his antique collection. He continued to rescue and purchased stone statues and other works of art of all kinds and conditions (from horses to Buddhas) and even purchased some European works of art during his business trip in Europe.
After years of collecting, Mr. Wong’s collection reached a point so large that he wanted to create a Wutaishan in Hong Kong. He was inspired by the practices and historical significance behind the landmark having previously studied the temples of Wutaishan in Shanxi Province (one of the highest concentrations of Buddhist temples in China).
Mr. Wong’s vast collection of Chinese and European works of art (varying in age, type, and size) now sits in a ‘live’ museum located at the hills in the New Territories, far away from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the city of Hong Kong.
Mr. Wong’s mission has always been focused on not only to protect and preserve our national treasure, but to educate the future generations across the world to understand and appreciate Chinese Art and other antiquated art forms, and the importance of culture and heritage for a nation’s unity and continuous development. Mr. Wong’s vast collection not only last for the sake of wealth, but it is a memory of history and the extension of culture.
The collection was previously managed by Mr. Wong’s son, Mr. Wong Yu Cho, the 2nd generation successor, and due to old age, his son, Mr. Jolly Wong, the 3rd generation successor is gradually involved with the family business and is playing a more active part in continuing his grandfather’smission of protecting and preserving Chinese culture heritage for the future generations of Hong Kong and across the world.
When visitors enter this antique kingdom, they can empty their minds, feel, and take back the strong presence of energy coming from the each and every works of art that has absorbed and accumulated centuries of energy from the past. Similar to what Wong senior used to do, often ‘calming his mind, relieving his tension, and recharging his batteries’.
Visitors and academics not only can study the profound history and meaning behind each work of art, they can also benefit from The Art of Serenity by being both physically & mentally in touch with the works of art at such a peaceful and natural environment.