Hei Jin and Wood Review: Traditional Chinese signboard craftsman at Defu Lane
More than just a business, Hei Jin and Wood is a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, tradition, and the meaning we attach to the spaces we call home.
By Kelvin Lim -
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The scent of sawdust and lacquer lingers in the air—a familiar, almost nostalgic fragrance that speaks of craftsmanship, patience, and dedication. Here, in a modest workshop along Defu Lane, Chun Kaifeng (fondly known as ‘Kai’), stands at the heart of Hei Jin and Wood, a space where wood is transformed into more than just signboards.
Each piece that leaves his hands carries a story, a sense of belonging, and a deep-rooted connection to the spaces they adorn. For Kai, the act of sign-making goes beyond business; it is an art form steeped in tradition, culture, and personal meaning.
Kai uses a mix of lasercut technology and traditional handcrafting techniques to create his modern signs.
A Lifelong Fascination with Craftsmanship
“I’ve always been fascinated by aesthetics,” Kai shares, his eyes lighting up with the recollection of childhood memories. “Since I was young, I would walk through places like Chinatown and marvel at the architecture of heritage buildings, the design of traditional signboards, and the Chinese characters that seemed to hold so much meaning.”
This deep curiosity led him to pursue art school, where he was introduced to woodworking—a craft that would eventually define his career. Unlike working with metal or ceramics, which often require complex tools and industrial processes, wood felt organic, immediate, and deeply personal.
When it comes to the use of patterns and imagery, Kai draws on cultural elements to create signs that his customers can relate to.
“Woodworking is the most direct form of crafting,” Kai explains. “With just hand tools, you can shape, carve, and bring an idea to life. It also gives the craftsman a genuine sense of connection with the finished piece.”
Apart from homes, Kai also creates signs for businesses and institutional establishments.
After spending 15 years immersed in the art world, Kai realised that his passion for woodworking could be more than just an artistic pursuit—it could be the foundation for something bigger.
Selecting the right fonts for each sign becomes an art form for Kai.
The Evolution of a Woodworking Business
In 2016, with encouragement from his business-savvy father-in-law, Kai founded Zhen Feng Object Workshop, a brand that initially offered both artisanal furniture and custom wood signage. His work gained attention as he sold his pieces via his website and the marketplace platform, Carousell. However, it wasn’t long before fate nudged him toward a more focused path.
“One day, a customer messaged us, asking if we made ‘those black colour, gold colour signs’,” Kai recalls with a smile. “That was our very first order for a traditional ‘black and gold’ signboard.”
Kai uses his creations to help bring words to life with their meaningful messages.
Creating that sign sparked something within him. Unlike furniture, which often serves more of a functional purpose, these signs carry deeper cultural and emotional significance. What intrigued Kai even more was how customers often truggled to articulate what they wanted, simply referring to them as ‘black and gold signs’.
Kai considers the overall design of his signs, including additional accents, such as the durian cutouts below this signboard, adding a three-dimensional aspect to his creations.
Seeing an opportunity to carve a niche, Kai rebranded his business to Hei Jin and Wood—a name that pays homage to the classic black (‘hei’) and gold (‘jin’) colour scheme of traditional Chinese signboards. This strategic pivot allowed him to become a specialist in a field where expertise and craftsmanship truly matter.
Traditional signboards for family homes feature the family name.
The Meaning Behind the Signs
To outsiders, a signboard may seem like a simple decorative piece, but to Kai’s customers, it is so much more.
“In Singapore, getting married and moving into your own home is a major milestone,” Kai explains. “For many couples, buying a sign for their new home is a cherished part of that journey. It becomes a lasting symbol of their love, their shared future, and the memories they’ll build together.”
Similarly, for business owners, a sign is not just about aesthetics—it is a declaration of their dreams taking flight. “A sign represents the heart and soul of a business,” he says. “It’s the first thing customers see, and for the business owner, it marks the start of something new, something they’ve worked hard to build. That’s why, when we install a sign, we always do it with a sense of joy and good energy. We know that we’re not just delivering a product, we’re marking a significant milestone in someone’s life.”
Blending Tradition with Modernity
Kai’s deep appreciation for heritage has made him a sought after craftsman for temples and traditional businesses. He takes great care to ensure that every stroke, symbol, and character is accurate and respectful of its cultural meaning. “You can’t just put any Chinese character on a signboard because it looks nice,” he explains. “Each symbol carries weight and significance. Before I take on a project, I do my research to understand the history and meaning behind what I’m creating.”
However, while Kai is committed to preserving tradition, he also embraces modern design influences. A perfect example of this is the popular 99 Old Trees durian shop sign in Chinatown.
“They came to me with a simple request to ‘make it special,’” Kai recalls. Given creative freedom, he designed a striking ‘black and gold’ signboard featuring two beautifully crafted 3D golden durians. The result? A piece that honours traditional Chinese signage aesthetics, while also capturing the playful and contemporary spirit of the brand.
Kai applies the same philosophy when crafting signboards for homes. Whether for new homeowners or long-standing family residences, each sign is designed to complement the personal tastes and cultural backgrounds of its owners. “Some homeowners appreciate the timeless elegance of traditional ‘black and gold’ signboards, while others prefer modern designs incorporating metal or intricate carvings,” Kai notes. “What remains constant is the role these signs play in making a house feel like home. They become a familiar presence—something every family member, from children to grandparents, sees every day.”
Beyond aesthetics, these signs often carry deep personal or spiritual significance. Kai recalls a project where a father requested a sign featuring a meaningful Bible verse cherished by his family. “He wanted it placed in a prominent area of their home so that everyone would see it daily,” Kai shares. “For him, it wasn’t just a sign—it was a guiding principle, a reminder of faith and values passed down through generations.”
Kai’s innovative use of technology when it comes to working with wood helps to give his works a unique and distinctive look.
The Road Ahead
As Hei Jin and Wood continues to grow, Kai remains focused on ensuring the longevity of his business. Institutional projects, such as temple restorations and franchise signage for F&B brands, provide the business with stability and repeat customers.
When asked whether Hei Jin and Wood will always be a sign-making business, Kai pauses thoughtfully before answering. “Maybe,” he says. “Trends change, and who knows what the future holds?”
One thing is certain. As a woodcrafter, Kai has the skills of the trade to create whatever the market wants next—be it exquisite wooden signs, artisanal furniture, household accessories, or (just about) anything else. Much like the material he works with, Kai’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and timeless beauty. Through his hands, wood is transformed into more than just objects—it becomes a reflection of people’s lives, aspirations, and the places they call home.