For Chinese New Year 2026, Kwai Chai Hong in collaboration with guardians Malaysia presents "Guardians of Legacy," a stunning art installation running until 8 March.
By DANIAL FUAD
Step into the historic laneway of Kwai Chai Hong this month, and you will find yourself surrounded by a vibrant tribute to the silent sacrifices of the older generation. Running now until 8 March 2026, the cultural hub presents its Chinese New Year art installation, Guardians of Legacy (十二福星), a colorful and poignant showcase inspired by the traditional folk art of the “Cloth Tiger” (布老虎).
A Symbol of Protective Love
For centuries, the Cloth Tiger has been a beloved form of folk art, traditionally handmade by parents or grandparents to gift to children . distinct from a simple toy, it serves as a talisman of protection, carrying wishes for safety, courage, wisdom, and good health.
Drawing from this deeply rooted tradition, Kwai Chai Hong has reimagined these protective symbols into twelve “Zodiac Guardians.” Zeen Chang, Co-Founder of Kwai Chai Hong, explains that the installation explores the Asian cultural tendency to express affection through deeds rather than words.
“In many Chinese families, expression of love between parents and children is rarely spoken aloud, instead it is deeply felt through actions and sacrifices,” says Chang. “As we grow older, we begin to understand this quiet form of love, instilling in us a strong sense of duty and sacrifice to honour our parents or elders… Guardians of Legacy emphasises this traditional virtue of showing the same protection, care, and appreciation towards them in return.”.
The Twelve Guardians
Conceptualised by Co-Founder Javier Chor, the installation features sculptural figures of the twelve Zodiac animals, varying in scale and pose, with the lead Guardian standing over 7 feet tall.
Just as no two handmade Cloth Tigers are ever identical, each Guardian in the laneway is unique. They are adorned with distinct motifs representing specific blessings (祝福).
Highlights of the installation include:
- The Horse (Year of the Horse 2026): Standing as the Guardian of Triumph (骏启之星), this figure features “Victory Flames” and the “Hero Flower” (Chrysanthemum), symbolizing resilience, noble spirit, and unstoppable momentum for the year ahead.
- The Snake: The Guardian of Wisdom (智照之星) features a butterfly resting on its tail to guide direction with lightness, symbolizing inner awareness and calm intuition.
- The Tiger: The Guardian of Courage (威勇之星) utilizes a “Warding Snarl” and pumpkin-shaped eyes to signal vigilance and the ability to repel negative influences.
- The Rabbit: Known as the Guardian of Flourishing (花瑞之星), this figure has a fish-shaped nose carrying the wish of Nian Nian You Yu—abundance that continues year after year.
A Modern Guardian
This year’s installation is presented in collaboration with guardian Malaysia, a partnership that draws a parallel between the traditional protection of the Cloth Tiger and modern wellness care.
“Long recognised as a trusted advisor for wellness in Malaysian households, guardian reflects a modern expression of the same intention behind the Cloth Tiger to safeguard loved ones through unostentatious and consistent care,” Chang notes.
Priscilla Wu, Managing Director of guardian Malaysia, adds that the collaboration celebrates a shared commitment to community. “We believe wellness is shaped by everyday care – through small, thoughtful acts, genuine understanding, and being present at every stage of life,” says Wu.
Visitor Information
The Guardians of Legacy installation is open to the public daily. Visitors are encouraged to explore the laneway and the surrounding eateries in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
- Dates: Now until 8 March 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily
- Location: Kwai Chai Hong, Kuala Lumpur
- Admission: Free
For more information, visit www.kwaichaihong.com or follow their social media channels for updates.
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