21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
1940s Chinatown kitchen miniature

An extraordinarily detailed miniature diorama of a 1940s Chinatown kitchen, created by 81-year-old self-taught Frank Wong. A heart-breaking, evocative, tender, and romantic model of the Chinatown of his youth. A real testament to one man's sense of community, memory and preservation of his legacy. These rare portals into his romanticized and filtered memories became a documentary short film in 2016 entitled, Forever, Chinatown. This kitchen is one of 7 dioramas that Frank made, taking him some decades for all. Fascinating glimpses of a different era.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2022
Date Uploaded: 10.2023
Photo Location: san francisco, California, United States of America
Copyright: © sterling sam