The Sassoon family was and remains legendary in global business and social history, with Victor Sassoon as its most iconic figure. He embodied the spirit of the cosmopolitan elite in the early 20th century, maintaining residences and businesses across the major financial centers of his time, dividing his life between Bombay, London, and Shanghai. As a financier, he operated worldwide, skillfully navigating the complex networks of empire and commerce that defined his era.

Today, the word “fengshui” (literally “wind and water”) usually conjures up images of living rooms and interior design. It has also become a global concept, popping up everywhere, from Netflix reality shows like Selling Sunset to blockbuster films like Crazy Rich Asians. This attention to fengshui, seen as essential for ensuring good vibes and positive energy, reflects a common perception. Yet in its original setting, fengshui had—and arguably still has—a more profound historical and social importance.