Kwai Chai Hong, a heritage alley in Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, is welcoming the Year of the Dragon with its Chinese New Year 2024 installation titled “Rise of the Dragon”, revolving around an ancient game of mahjong created since the Qing Dynasty of China (1644-1912).
This year’s thematic concept is centered around the rich history of mahjong – a cultural icon that fosters connections with the Chinese culture and community.
The installation, presented by local artists based in Johor Bahru, Wong Jia Min, and Lee Chaer Shean from design studio Plus+Plus, showcased a mahjong game set in the heart of the cul-de-sac surrounded by the silhouette of a dragon traversing above.
Zeen Chang, the managing partner of Bai Chuan Management stated during the launch event, “Mahjong is known once upon a time as Chinese people’s favourite pastime. The symbolism of the game extends beyond our diverse Malaysian community, where unity strengthens our collective spirit.
“It is traditionally an activity fit for all ages and people, fostering the values of leisure and bonding, and even with known ties to cognitive improvement.”
“The intricate mahjong game, requiring a various mix of tiles to form unique combinations, serves as a metaphor for our nation’s strength in diversity and unity, something Kwai Chai Hong is always passionate about.”
Chang added, “The Rise of the Dragon is aptly named for installation to represent the beast which has hibernated long and has finally gathered enough strength to take on the new year with renewed vitality and power. Just like how each mahjong game is played, the start of the game is where both our hands are mixing the tiles in fluid circular motions and rhythms, like the ascension of the Dragon’s spirit slithering awake from its slumber.”
Plus+Plus draws inspiration from the dynamic movement of reshuffling mahjong tiles. The act of ‘reshuffling’ becomes symbolic of a fresh beginning, aligning with the essence of Chinese New Year, particularly significant in the Year of the Dragon.
According to Wong, the game of mahjong played in rounds with reshuffling, mirrors the act of resetting the year, symbolising prosperity, union, harmony and peace for the new year.
“The mahjong panels and wire mesh collectively craft the silhouette of a Dragon, awakening from its long slumber as winter ends and soaring the skies, representing hope for a better and more prosperous beginning in the Year of the Dragon,” she said.
“This installation is more than an artistic display; it’s a tangible representation of hope, inviting individuals to contemplate and embrace a new life chapter as they welcome the Year of the Dragon,” Lee said.
Kwai Chai Hong will be open to the public daily from 9am to 12am. The Rise of the Dragon installation will be available from Jan 25 to Mar 3, 2024.
For more information, visit Kwai Chai Hong’s Facebook, Instagram or website at www.kwaichaihong.com
