Pawnbrokers in Hong Kong
In 2014, there were 200 pawnbrokers in Hong Kong, with the number increasing over the next several years. The pawn shops themselves have several prominent features, including a screen to block the view of passersby, as well as a high counter. Additionally, these shops are governed by strict regulations, such as having to keep records of all transactions and being obliged to report any suspicious items to the authorities.
History
There have been
The activities of the pawnbrokers were limited by the Japanese during the
Features of Hong Kong pawnshops
Dong zung
A dong zung (Chinese: 擋中) is a large rectangular wooden screen, similar to a pair of doors, located right behind the entrance of the pawn shop. The screen is tall enough to block passers-by from seeing inside. Clients can be concealed by the board to avoid recognition.
Pawning counter
The counter of the pawnshop, which is behind the tall board, is typically taller than the average person. There are
Names of pawnshops
Pawnshops are considered to be a traditional industry in China. The majority of the shops use names including words meaning harmonious (for example 'tung' (同), 'wo' (和)) and/or prosperous (for example 'chang' (昌), 'fat' (發), 'fung' (豐)). The idea behind such a name is to encourage a flourishing business.[10] [unreliable source?]
Regulations
In order to prevent the sale of stolen property in pawnshops, Hong Kong law stipulates that pawnshops must undergo strict verification and registration of prospective clients' Hong Kong identity card looking to pawn items. Pawnshops must keep digital records of all exchanges, and if any suspicious items are found in the pawnshop, the shop must immediately notify the local authorities.[11]
Terms used
- Ceot Zat (Chinese: 出質): Clients offering up items to be pawned.
- Ji Suk Gung/Ciu Fung (Chinese: 二叔公/朝奉): A worker who identifies and appraises the pawned goods.
- Maa Zi (Chinese: 碼子): The number sheet used to track exchanges.
- Zaap Gaa (Chinese: 雜架): Clocks, antiques, etc.
- Jyut Lik (Chinese: 月曆): The lunar calendar - since months for the lunar calendar are one to two days shorter than the solar calendar, if a pawnee repays the loan one day later than the deadline, they need to pay the next month's interest.
- Lau Dong Ban (Chinese: 流當品): The deadline for repaying loans and getting back the pawned item(s) ends.
- Leoi Gung Gwang (Chinese: 雷公轟): The mortgage interest.
- Ze Cau Baan (Chinese: 遮羞板): A big shield standing in front of the main gate, used to hide the inside of the store.
- Gau Ceot Sap Saam Gwai (Chinese: 九出十三歸): The method pawn shops use to calculate interest; for example, when the pawn is worth about 10 dollars, only nine dollars will be lent and in the end, thirteen dollars will be needed to repay the loan.[12]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Chan, Cardin; DeWolf, Christopher (2 May 2018). "Behind the Screen Doors of Hong Kong's Pawn Shops, Centuries of Tradition". Zolima City Magazine. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ ANNA, YIU (29 April 2017). "當鋪-生存之秘". passhonpropawnshop. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
- ^ "How Hongkongers rely on loan clubs and pawn shops for money". South China Morning Post. 20 January 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ^ Hunt, Katie (12 March 2013). "HK pawnbroker sees growth in ancient industry". BBC News. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ^ https://hk.history.museum/documents/54401/54616/Sen_02_full.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ "全民保育行動". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
- ^ The Hong Kong & Kowloon Pawnbrokers’ Association Limited. http://www.pawn.com.hk/?mod=site_pawn_assoc_history. Extracted on 04 November 2013
- ^ 於彥北. 香港當鋪何以經久不衰:"押"字招牌后有乾坤 "人民網—香港當鋪何以經久不衰:"押"字招牌后有乾坤". Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2013. Extracted on 3/4 November 2013
- ^ "Hong Kong e-Legislation". www.elegislation.gov.hk. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
- ^ 周有泉. 香港人的‘二叔公’- 淺談當鋪 http://www.somanhing.com/ftihk/pdf/assignment/pawnshop.pdf Extracted on 3 November 2013
- ^ "Hong Kong e-Legislation".
- ^ Macau General Chamber of Pawnbrokers Extracted on 3 November 2013
Further reading
- Chan, Cardin; DeWolf, Christopher (2 May 2018). "Behind the Screen Doors of Hong Kong's Pawn Shops, Centuries of Tradition". Zolima City Magazine.