Traditional Chinese bird cages range from the basic to the sophisticated and often feature fine craftsmanship and materials. Their shape and design can vary from region to region and according to the bird species for which they are made. Keeping caged birds and showing them off was particularly popular In Hong Kong during the 1920s and 1930s, and remained a popular leisure and entertainment activity for decades. It was also an inseparable and sometimes competitive part of Chinese tea culture, as owners took their birds to traditional teahouses in the morning. But the number of dedicated bird lovers has dwindled, and the art of birdcage making is disappearing with them.

Sit Tak-yung, also known as Monkey, is an Indonesian Chinese singer-songwriter and illustrator. Monkey describes his life and upbringing as ordinary. He says that as he’s not too good with words alone, he’s made music his way of recording his everyday life. His music journey started with busking on the streets, but in 2018 he formed his own label and has now made music his full-time career.