I remember reading a book on the history of HKU but don't recall the detailed story. My impression is that these lions were originally at the main entrance of Bank of China. They were moved to HKU because someone at the bank wanted a pair of lions with an appearance more in line with the traditional Chinese style. Similar lions at the side of the building, however, were part of the building and could not be moved.
"These 'reactionary lions' were removed in front of a communist bank in Hong Kong in 1951 and now live in retirement on the University of Hong Kong campus. A pair of 'progressive lions' have taken their place while the 'reactionaries' brood with tongues hanging out."
This photo of the lions either side of the door to the Bank of China was taken in 1956. The Bank of China and the Hong Kong Shanghi Bank were side by side and were the tallest buildings on the island
My friend Billy and I came across this post while doing research on the art-deco lions outside the old Bank of China Building. When we learned about the other pair through your post, we decided to write an article about all four of the lions.
C's memory of the lions as they're described in the book is accurate. The archivist Garfield Lam (HKU Archives) gave us the name of the book: The University of Hong Kong: An Informal History (Vol. 2) by Bernard Mellor -- a copy of which can be found at the Hong Kong Central Library. The lions were indeed banished from the bank and donated to HKU because they were too "reactionary" with their tongues hanging out and all.
The lions at Pok Fu Lam are called Clementi and Lugard, it turns out!
Agreed?
It is similar to the lions at former Bank of China HQ at Des Voeux Rd Central.
Bank of China
Yes, I agree with Lolau. These look like the BOC lions. Are they stone or concrete?
EDIT: here are the BOC ones http://www.flickr.com/photos/pigswillb/4224381456/
Bank of China lions at University of HK
I remember reading a book on the history of HKU but don't recall the detailed story. My impression is that these lions were originally at the main entrance of Bank of China. They were moved to HKU because someone at the bank wanted a pair of lions with an appearance more in line with the traditional Chinese style. Similar lions at the side of the building, however, were part of the building and could not be moved.
Old Bank of China Lions
The Old Bank of China lions by the side of the building.
BOC Lions
Thanks everyone, that was cleared up quickly. I had in mind they were from the 1930s HSBC building, so I was a few feet out!
If anyone can add to C's comments about how they ended up at HKU, I'd be interested to hear the story.
regards, David
PS Phil, I didn't pay attention at the time, but zooming in to the photo it looks like stone, not concrete.
Bad curse?
Are these the famed cursed sculptures (四不像) which I heard about from HKU alumni?
No
No...
The Story of the Bank of China Lions
From a Chicago Tribune article and photo in 1956
"These 'reactionary lions' were removed in front of a communist bank in Hong Kong in 1951 and now live in retirement on the University of Hong Kong campus. A pair of 'progressive lions' have taken their place while the 'reactionaries' brood with tongues hanging out."
Bank of China Lions
This photo of the lions either side of the door to the Bank of China was taken in 1956. The Bank of China and the Hong Kong Shanghi Bank were side by side and were the tallest buildings on the island
famed cursed sculptures 四不像
That is at the external stair of University Hall, Pofulam
Recent article about the lions
Hi David,
My friend Billy and I came across this post while doing research on the art-deco lions outside the old Bank of China Building. When we learned about the other pair through your post, we decided to write an article about all four of the lions.
C's memory of the lions as they're described in the book is accurate. The archivist Garfield Lam (HKU Archives) gave us the name of the book: The University of Hong Kong: An Informal History (Vol. 2) by Bernard Mellor -- a copy of which can be found at the Hong Kong Central Library. The lions were indeed banished from the bank and donated to HKU because they were too "reactionary" with their tongues hanging out and all.
The lions at Pok Fu Lam are called Clementi and Lugard, it turns out!
You can read more about the lions and their exile (and see our photos) on our blog:
http://www.dantatmonster.com/en/2018/12/14/the-mystery-of-the-art-deco-…
Or find an abridged version (with fewer pictures) in Zolima Citymag:
https://zolimacitymag.com/hunt-hong-kongs-missing-bankers-lions/