Po Leung Kuk Museum

Porcelain photos are a form of image carrier that saw popular adoption between the late 19th and early 20th century. By applying ceramic pigment on porcelain and firing, a portrait or images of objects can be permanently preserved.

Mr. Aw Boon-haw was a renowned Chinese merchant in the early 20th century and established businesses across Singapore and Hong Kong, including the Tiger Balm liniment brand and Sing Tao Daily.

The Kuk has maintained its tradition of worshipping Kwan Ti for more than a century, as Kwan Ti’s values match the Kuk’s spirit of protecting the young and innocent.

Located on the ground floor of the Main Building, the Kwan Ti Hall was one of the most used areas in the past. The Hall is perpendicular to the spacious corridors of the building and was designed to be an ideal location for meetings and ceremonies.

The Po Leung Kuk tradition of worshipping of Kwan Ti can be traced back to late 19th century when the organisation was founded. In 1896, during the occasion of the opening of the Po Leung Kuk headquarters on Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, a famous middleman merchant guild donated an lacquer altar to Po Leung Kuk.

HO SZE Shi, or known as SZE tai, was the ancestor of the famous Hotung family in Hong Kong. Sir Robert Hotung, a well-known philanthropist, was one of the longest serving members of Po Leung Kuk. Starting as vice-chairman in 1886, he became an advisor to the Kuk until his death in 1950s, which totaled to almost 70 years.