Rediscovering Hong Kong’s History Through Vintage Treasures

Alfred Lee, a 27-year-old vintage collector and owner of SapGau, a shop in Hong Kong’s Tsuen Wan district, has turned his childhood hobby into a mission to preserve the city’s history through everyday objects. His fascination began with toys made in Hong Kong, including classic Beyblades and Gundam figures, but soon expanded to include items like Coca-Cola yo-yos and 1980s McDonald’s napkins. Lee’s passion isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about uncovering the stories behind these objects and sharing them with others. “I want to help everyone find their own memories from the past through old objects,” he said.

Lee’s journey started with his father’s collection of Hong Kong-manufactured items, which inspired him to start collecting vintage toys and memorabilia. What began as a personal interest grew into a pop-up stall business before he opened his first vintage store in Kwun Tong. As his collection expanded, he relocated to a larger space in Tsuen Wan, where he now displays a vast array of items from the 1960s through the 1990s. His shop, whose name SapGau means “to rediscover the old” in Cantonese, has become a treasure trove of Hong Kong’s hidden history.

One of Lee’s most notable collections is his assortment of Coca-Cola yo-yos, which he estimates now numbers over 1,000. His interest in these yo-yos began with a gift from his father, a rare tin yo-yo that turned out to be one of the first made in Hong Kong. This discovery led Lee to collect yo-yos from various countries, including Japan, the Philippines, and Mexico, featuring about 300 different designs. Beyond yo-yos, Lee also tracks broader cultural shifts through items like piggy banks, which reflect changes in saving habits and technological advancements.

Lee’s shop has attracted a growing number of visitors, particularly young people curious about Hong Kong’s past. While some come looking for specific items like Pokémon cards, others explore the broader collection of retro decor and memorabilia. Lee sees himself not as the final owner of these objects but as an intermediary, passing them on to others who share his passion. “I’m just someone who owned them for a moment,” he said. His work is driven by the belief that preserving these stories is essential, especially in a city with limited living space where sentimental belongings might otherwise be discarded.