14/05/2026
Wong wai-ki — Pioneer and Leader in the Reconstruction of Playable (Tang) Vertical Konghou
I. Origins of a Master: A Lifelong Dedication
Decades of Expertise: Born in Hong Kong, Master Wong devoted over 40 years to music education, instrument research, and craftsmanship.
A Historic Breakthrough: In 2007, he officially launched his research into the reconstruction of the ancient Vertical Konghou. After four years of rigorous experimentation, he successfully revived two instruments in November 2011, naming them the "Prosperity Konghou" (盛世箜篌).
Returning to Roots: In August 2020, driven by a deep love for his heritage, Master Wong and his wife, Hui Pik-lan, moved from Hong Kong to Sanxiang, Zhongshan. There, they founded the "Konghou Craftsman" Archive, China’s first museum dedicated to the Konghou, showcasing over 60 precious instruments and historical documents.
II. Reconstructing History: From Murals to the Global Stage (2013-2019)
National Recognition: In 2013, he participated in the premiere of the China National Traditional Orchestra's Impression of Chinese Music. During the 2014 APEC summit, his reconstructed Tang Vertical Konghou, "Lü Yu Teng," revived ancient court music and dances, serving as a prestigious cultural bridge between nations.
Academic Excellence:
Authentic Proof: He published seminal papers such as Physical Evidence and Demonstration of Ancient Chinese Vertical Konghou at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and South China Normal University.
Field Research: Commissioned by the "Great Series of Chinese Musical Relics," he traveled to Xinjiang to inspect excavated Konghou remains. He was also featured on CCTV’s "National Treasure" (國家寶藏), introducing the Hu-Konghou from the Five Dynasties era.
Documenting Craft: He was featured in the documentary series China Symbols (produced by the Publicity Department of the CPC) in the episode "Master of Time Restoration: The Konghou," which meticulously recorded his reconstruction techniques.
III. Cultural Promotion and Global Impact (2020-2024)
Setting Industry Standards:
Top Honors: Named one of the "Top Ten National Musical Instrument Makers of 2020." Throughout his career, he secured eight national patents certified by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
Educational Milestone: In 2022, he published "Ancient Vertical Konghou Prayer," China's first-ever textbook for the Vertical Konghou, filling a critical gap in professional education.
International Reach:
Philatelic Legacy: In 2023, his works were featured on stamps and collectible albums issued by the United Nations, as well as the postal services of France, Germany, and Austria.
Times Square Spotlight: From 2023 to 2024, he appeared on the New York Times Square big screen for two consecutive years as part of the "Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Goes Global" exhibition, earning the title of "Ambassador for Chinese Non-Heritage Culture."
Mainstream Media Presence:
Latest Feature: In October 2024, he was invited to film the CCTV special "Musical Grace: Ancient Charms of the Millennium – The Konghou."
In-depth Coverage: Hong Kong Commercial Daily published a feature titled "Establishing the Konghou Cultural Archive in Sanxiang: Wong Yi-ki and Hui Pik-lan Return Home to Continue Their Legacy," chronicling their lifelong devotion to the arts.