Hong Kong Originals: Once export giant, Yuet Tung China Works looks inwards to keep hand-painted porcelain alive

As Hong Kong's economic boom faded and manufacturing shifted to China, many long-established, family-run companies faced the challenge of preserving their traditions while others sought innovation to survive. In our new series, we explore the craftsmanship and spirit behind the goods that remain proudly labeled “Made in Hong Kong,” as local firms navigate the complexities of the US-China trade war.

Joseph Tso, the third-generation owner of Yuet Tung China Works, a 98-year-old hand-painted porcelain factory in Kowloon Bay, exemplifies this resilience. Wielding a brush with bristles tapered to a needle-thin point, Tso meticulously applied black overglaze paint to an old Guangcai porcelain piece, filling the gaps in the outlines with a deftness that belies his age in his late seventies. “These old ones, the outlines are all broken, and the colours have faded,” he said, his arm resting on a wooden box to keep the numbness in his hand at bay. “Back in the day, I would have just handed this to one of our painters.”

Tso's journey began when he was six, as his family moved from mainland China to Hong Kong in 1956. Growing up surrounded by porcelainware, he inherited the family business that his grandfather had established in 1928. Initially named Kam Wah Loong, the factory was located in Kowloon City. “Historically, there was a lot of conflict in China, whereas Hong Kong was much more stable,” Tso explained. “My grandfather saw an opportunity and realised that foreigners really liked our porcelain, so he set up the first factory.”

Two decades later, after World War II, the factory was renamed Yuet Tung – its name to this day. The industrial boom in Hong Kong during the post-war era provided a fertile ground for the factory's growth. As the demand for hand-painted porcelain soared, Yuet Tung China Works became a symbol of Hong Kong's craftsmanship and innovation.

However, as manufacturing shifted to China and the economic landscape changed, many companies struggled to adapt. Yuet Tung China Works, like other family-run businesses, faced the challenge of preserving its traditions while remaining competitive. “In the past, we had a team of painters who would work on different sections of the porcelain pieces,” Tso recalled. “But now, I have to do much of the work myself.”

Despite these challenges, Tso remains committed to maintaining the quality and heritage of the porcelain produced at Yuet Tung China Works. He sees his work not just as a business, but as a way of preserving the cultural heritage of Hong Kong. “These pieces are a part of our history,” he said, gesturing to the porcelain vases lining the workshop. “We can't just let them disappear.”

The US-China trade war has further complicated the landscape for Hong Kong's manufacturers. With tariffs and trade restrictions, many companies have struggled to find new markets for their products. Yet, Yuet Tung China Works has found a niche in the global market by focusing on high-quality, hand-painted porcelain. “We've always been known for our quality,” Tso said. “And now, with the right marketing, we can reach customers who value that craftsmanship.”

As we delve deeper into the stories of Hong Kong's remaining “Made in Hong Kong” companies, we see a shared thread of resilience and dedication to preserving tradition in the face of economic challenges. Yuet Tung China Works, under the stewardship of Joseph Tso, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of these family-run businesses, keeping hand-painted porcelain alive in a world that increasingly values mass-produced goods. Through their craftsmanship and passion, these companies continue to contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Hong Kong, ensuring that the legacy of their heritage endures.