Wood and timber have been essential in building and crafting since ancient times, especially in China where they were valued for their quality and workability. Over the centuries, the construction industry has honed woodworking skills, tools, and techniques, influencing various aspects of life and architecture. In Macau, “Seong Ka” represents a collective of building trades, now including wood carpentry, cement work, and painting. Seong Ka carpentry is renowned for its detailed techniques and cultural importance, playing a crucial role in preserving Chinese heritage and contributing to Macau’s socio-cultural landscape.

Bamboo scaffolding is a traditional construction technique integral to Macau’s cityscape, utilizing bamboo poles tied with intricate knots to create strong, flexible structures for various uses, including temporary scaffolds for building support. Widely seen across Asian cities, particularly in southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau, this craft allows for the construction of buildings of all sizes and styles, from small houses to skyscrapers, due to bamboo’s availability. The method is known for its quick assembly and lightness, making it vital to Macau’s construction industry.

The etymology of the word “Azulejo” comes from the Arabic “az-zulayj” meaning “small polished stones,” was introduced by the Moors and later adapted by the Portuguese. In modern days, Portuguese tiles often combined Italian “majolica” painting techniques with Chinese blue-and-white porcelain patterns to create the distinctive glazed tiles seen in palaces and churches. After the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the “Pombalinos” style emerged, blending industrial and handcrafted methods, making tiles widely available beyond nobility and clergy.

Signage is an essential aspect of a shop’s identity, silently conveying its message through design and symbols. It’s not just about providing information; it represents the shop’s core and history. In Macau, traditional hand-crafted signs blend calligraphy and typesetting, reflecting the owner’s, observer’s, and creator’s values. These signs are more than decoration; they tell the story of the business and the city, becoming part of the street’s own story.