Tsang Tsou-choi

Tsang Tsou-choi (Chinese: 曾灶財), commonly referred to as the "Emperor of Kowloon" (九龍皇帝) (12 November 1921 – 15 July 2007) was a Hong Kong citizen known for his distinctive calligraphy graffiti.

Tsang was born in Liantang Village (蓮塘村), Koyiu (Gaoyao), Shiuhing (Zhaoqing),[1] Kwangtung (Guangdong), Republic of China.

His family disowned him, saying he was mentally unbalanced and a public nuisance[3] and his wife had grown tired of his obsession and left him.

His calligraphy has inspired many fashion designers, art directors, interior decorators, and CD cover artists.

[5] He appeared in a commercial for Swipe cleaner, in which he cleans away his permanent ink graffiti, proclaiming the product's effectiveness to Hong Kong consumers.

Art critic Lau Kin-wai said Tsang spent his final days at an elderly home surrounded by family members.

[10] When news of his death became known, many people went to take pictures of his work, especially the one in Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier (because of the convenience of the location), which was later sprayed with a clear protective layer.

The Home Affairs Bureau maintained the government's commitment to protecting Tsang's works "depending on the actual situation and feasibility".

[16] Tsang has been featured significantly in Hong Kong culture, including the 1993 Beyond song Desting is Your Home (樂與怒), as well as the King of Kowloon (九龍皇帝) by DJ Lorry.

One of Tsang's public art works at Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier (c. 2005)