If you are hunting for souvenirs reflecting Cantonese culture and history you might be pleasantly surprised by 'Guangzhou Impression & Memory', a small and recently opened shop near the Garden Hotel.
A piece of Canton enamel.
State of the art silk brocades depicting an historic Pearl River panorama, ancient coins, painted tea canisters, miniature sculptures, Canton enamel pieces, simulated antique jade carvings and postcards portraying images of ancient and contemporary Canton – all are available at the shop. These, along with many other Cantonese-themed works, are presented in a non-cliché way.
A carved jade piece in unearthed setup, reproduction of Canton-based ancient Nanyue Kingdom.
A snuff bottle with a painting outside of historical trading scene in Canton.
Most of the exquisite items are signature designs by the shop owner, Chen Zhaowen, who is a veteran of the arts. Chen graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art decades ago, and is now owner and art director of a local advertising company.
Born in Chaozhou of eastern Guangdong, Chen has used his passion for the history, culture and art of Guangzhou to create his unique products, promoting Canton's image for more than 10 years.
The shop owner, Chen Zhaowen (L.), who is an art veteran graduating from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art, introduces a painted tea can he designs.
He specially recommends three kinds of souvenirs available at his shop:
The first is a framed set of three ancient coins from three ancient kingdoms whose capitals were all once the city of Canton centuries ago;
The second is another set of coins from four dynasties of China – the Han, Tang, Song and Qing – spanning over 2,000 years. During these dynasties the legendary Chinese 'Maritime Silk Road' of foreign trade prospered, of which Canton was an important port and starting point. The set of coins reflects the thriving business history of Canton.
A framed set of four relic coins from four dynasties of China, when Chinese 'Marine Silk Road' of foreign trade ever prospered, of which Canton used to be an important port and even a starting spot.
The third, and most valuable, is a roll of fine silk brocade depicting a "Pearl River Panorama of the 1920s" reproduced from a precious historic photo. The 2-meter-long piece presents the visual intricacy of a prosperous and expansive downtown river view. Soft, silky and well-tailored, the brocade comes highly rated and has been collected by the Chinese National Museum of Silk, as well as other local provincial and municipal museums. The Mayor of Guangzhou even takes it as the city's official gift.
A silk brocade of Pearl River Panorama in 1920s.
Guangzhou Daily's report on the historical photo, based on which the silk brocade of Pearl River Panorama was produced.
The historical photo, based on which the silk brocade of Pearl River Panorama was produced.
All souvenirs are well-crafted and easy to appreciate, as they have English and Chinese introductions.
A mini pottery statue of Five Rams, symbols of Canton.
A bottle jacket in traditional Chinese garment style.
Two historical paintings of Guangzhou's trading on a tea can.
Painted cans of Chinese tea.
A reproduction piece of China's Han-Dynasty artistic brick.
Three pieces of Guangdong-styled pottery sculpture, a Xiguan (western old town of Canton) lady and two average Cantonese children.
A piece of pottery sculpture - Xiguan (western old town of Canton) lady.
A set of postcards in the theme of Canton history.
The sign of 'Guangzhou Impressions & Memory' Store.
* English service available.
Add: G/F, 49, Jianshe Liu Malu
(On a side walk on the west wing of the northern section of Jianshe Liu Malu, opposite to the western entrance of Garden Hotel, Yuexiu District)
Tel: 020 - 8376 6756
Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
(Wrtten by Ronald Li, photographed by Ronald Li and Guangjun Zhao)
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