Erhu Studio
Mr. Lai Sau Hin, 65 years-old, represented Hong Kong at the “First International Erhu Treasured Instruments Competition” held last year in Guangzhou. His erhus won the Gold Prize in the rosewood category, and won both Silver and Bronze Prizes in the redwood category. Mr. Lai was also awarded the title of “International Erhu Maker Grand Master”. His “Lai Sau Hin Erhu Studio” is situated in this revitalised factory building on the side road, and visitors come to admire a master, or in search of a teacher. “I am the only person in Hong Kong who can make erhus, but this is a Chinese traditional art!” says Mr. Lao, whose face is white and round, with a loud roaring voice. He seems to be the legendary “cynical old elf”.
He pointed out that some erhus manufactured today use computerised techniques. The varnished wood would stick to the hands when the instruments are played, and do not give a good grip. Manually polished and waxed erhus, on the other hand, are much smoother and the sound quality is also distinctly better. Master Lai is worried that his skill will be lost to posterity. His children had no interest to learn the skill, and there is no training or examination in erhu making.
