88. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

The last historical place to visit on the tour was the Peranakan Mansion of which I was greatly looking forward to. History has long interested me and was always my favourite subject at school. I love the old buildings, the architecture, the furniture, the costumes and the many beautiful things that were in vogue. I've always been fascinated by the way people lived, the lifestyles and cultures of the past.

And so....we come to Peranakan Mansion, an opulent, luxurious place of wealth and eclectic archictecture and design.


History
Peranakan Mansion is one of the most ornate and beautifully decorated homes in Penang. It originally belonged to Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee (sometimes spelt Quee), a colourful personality of the late 19th century who used it as his home and office. Kwee was a 19th century Hakka tin-miner and secret society leader of Hai San. Typical of a Peranakan home, this stately mansion built in the 1890's is built around an open-air courtyard. The ceramic floor tiles are from England, the ironwork (balconies and railings) from Scotland and the carved-wood panels and screens from China. Today a museum, it houses antiques of the Peranakan/Baba Nyoyian community. The typical home of a rich Baba of a century ago

 

Above: Front door
Note the red curtains here and in other photos. To the Chinese, red means good luck, celebration, happiness, joy, vitality, long life, summoning, the direction South. Chinese saying goes "when something is so red, it is purple" - red purple brings luck and fame. Which is why red is the traditional bridal colour.

 

Above: Iron lacework

 

Above: Reflection mirror
The reflection mirror - exactly opposite each other. Pinang Peranakan Mansion has many antiques, collectibles and object'art on display showcasing the colorful lifestyle of the Baba Nyonya of Penang.

 

Above: Decor of one of the main rooms
Chung Keng Quee had two official wives, Lim Ah Chen and Tan Gek Im - they bore him 8 sons and 5 daughters. He also had a child (Cheang, Thye Gan) by a woman named Tye Thye. His eldest son, Thye Yong, was adopted. Of his sons, the best known was Chung Thye Phin, his fourth son. (Remember, girls were of no significance in those days).
The photos you see here are of a Baba and Nyonya couple on their third day of wedding in the 1930's. The bride, Kim Suak Sah is wearing a red and gold songket sarong.

 

Above: Memorabilia
This photo was taken in the servants' quarters, near the kitchen. I remember thinking to myself, how many babies slept here? Who slept here and did their mothers or nannies take them for walks in the local parks I wonder?

 

Above: The red telephone box
I just love this red telephone box don't you? It is always really good when I happen to spot one - these were the telephone boxes of childhood, sadly they have all but disappeared. Find them only in museums or someone's backyard today.

 

Above: Front view

Visiting hours
The museum is open Monday to Friday Monday-Friday from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. Saturday from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm (closed on Sunday and public holidays). Admission: Adults - RM 10. Children 12 and ovdr RM 12. Children under 12 - Free.