Ink inscription of 'King of Kowloon' retraced near Mong Kok East Station

One of the graffiti works of the late "King of Kowloon" that was found underneath a Mong Kok rail bridge has been restored at the original site.

The calligraphy piece from Tsang Tsou-choi, who passed away in 2007, resurfaced two years ago after paint peeled off a bridge barrier near Mong Kok East Station. The graffiti was covered with paint by authorities back in 1997.

Restoration works by professional art conservators have been done afterward under the arrangement of the MTR Corporation, with the 5-meter length and 1.5-meter height ink inscription preserved on the spot. 

It is also the largest of the three known artworks by the self-proclaimed King of Kowloon that are preserved at their original sites. 

During the restoration, experts found at least three layers of ink inscriptions left on the wall at different time periods, and since each layer was once covered with paint, most of the writing has become illegible.

Experts had to use a special concoction to dissolve the layers of paint so that Tsang's calligraphy could be clearly seen again. After careful "excavation," they decided to showcase the clearest ink inscription from each period for public viewing. 

Four layers of professional protective materials were applied to the surface of the ink inscription to protect the calligraphy treasure.

MTR has also put up posters about the ink inscription at Mong Kok East Station and Prince Edward Station, accompanied by route maps for citizens and tourists who wish to explore it.

Tsang has left numerous brush-written calligraphy works across the city in the last century. His writings mostly narrate his own life and family history. His artworks were exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 2003.