City of Victoria
Tam Kung Temple, Chinatown
A mural serving as a visual gateway to Canada’s first Chinatown located in Victoria, BC. This mural is an homage to Tam Kung Temple - Canada’s oldest Chinese Temple, highlighting traditional, cultural, and historical elements while addressing its relevancy to the past, present and future generations.
“Tam Kung Temple”
32’ x 70’
1713 Government Street, Victoria BC
Client
City of Victoria, Yen Wo Society
Year
Sept 2023
Photos
Jeremy Au Yeung
This mural is a depiction of the profound cultural heritage and historical significance of Canada’s oldest Chinese temple, Tam Kung Temple, which was established in the 1860s. The artwork captures the ethereal essence of Tam Kung (‘Lord Tam’) or Tam Tai Sin (譚大仙), a sea deity worshipped traditionally by the Hakka people of China.
Surrounding Tam Kung, the artwork unveils the vibrant cultural artifacts within the temple. The original banners invoke prosperity and good fortune and echo a spirit of celebration. Guarding the temple's entrance, the statues of the mighty dragon and the regal phoenix stand as sentinels of protection. An ornate altar takes center stage, and is typically adorned with offerings and surrounded by devotees performing the age-old incense ritual along with the drum and bell. In the corners, citrus trees sway gracefully, warding off malevolent spirits with their vibrant fruits and fragrant blossoms.
The mural honors the deep-rooted cultural and historical significance of Tam Kung, inviting all who gaze upon this artwork to embrace a sense of wonder. May this mural serve as a beacon of cultural appreciation and celebrate the legacy of Tam Kung.
