The legendary local manufacturer Red A has unveiled the third installment of its “Made in Hong Kong” miniature series, transforming five of the city’s most recognizable household artifacts into collectible keychains. Launched this week, the “Old Days Chapter” blind boxes pay homage to the brand’s 75-year history, shrinking decades of domestic evolution into palm-sized memorabilia. This latest collection, spanning designs from the 1960s to the 1990s, is currently being showcased through a dedicated pop-up exhibition in Causeway Bay, blending industrial history with contemporary art.
A Journey Through Hong Kong’s Domestic History
Since its founding in 1949, Red A (Star Industrial Co., Ltd.) has become synonymous with the “Made in Hong Kong” ethos. The new miniature collection serves as a tactile timeline of the city’s urban development. Pieces include:
- The 1960s Candy Box: A festive chuen hap adorned with traditional gold dragon and phoenix motifs, echoing the era’s lunar new year traditions.
- The 1970s Space Briefcase: A rugged school bag famously durable enough for students to use as a makeshift seat.
- The Red Plastic Stool: Perhaps the most ubiquitous item in the catalogue, still a staple in Hong Kong’s wet markets and cramped apartments today.
- The Watering Can: A functional relic of the 1970s, utilized by residents for essential cleaning during the city’s bouts of water rationing.
- The 1990s Chamber Pot: A utilitarian red-and-white vessel that remains a recognizable vestige of elder care and traditional lifestyles.
Art Meets Industry at Causeway Bay Exhibition
To celebrate the launch, Red A has partnered with Amaz by Lokianno to host the “Old Days Corner” mini-exhibition in Causeway Bay. Beyond the retail of the blind boxes, the space features a creative intervention by four local artists: Castor, Foon Wong, Jackal, and Maggie Fu. Each artist has reimagined the classic Red A funnel stool—a piece of furniture found in countless local eateries—redefining it as a canvas for vibrant, modern expression.
The exhibition provides a rare opportunity for younger generations to connect with the city’s manufacturing past while seeing how these industrial mainstays can transition into the realm of collectable art.
Where to Collect
Collectors can purchase the blind boxes individually at the Amaz by Lokianno gallery in the basement of Fashion Walk (2-4 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay). For those looking to secure the entire five-piece set or explore previous series, the collection is also available through Red A’s official digital storefront.
As Hong Kong continues to navigate a rapidly changing urban identity, the revival of these “plastic classics” offers more than just nostalgia; it provides a portable link to the resilience and resourcefulness of the city’s working-class roots. For travelers and locals alike, these miniatures represent a tangible slice of Hong Kong’s living history.
