Monday, July 20, 2009

Pinang Peranakan Mansion @ Church Street, Penang

After having a good breakfast, our food trip group went to this mansion to have a glimpse of the history and heritage of Penang Babas community.

Introduction:
The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world, especially in the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore) hence its other name, the Straits Chinese. Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and later, the colonial British, the Peranakans had created a unique lifestyle and customs which had not only left behind a rich legacy of antiques but its cultural influences like cuisine and language are still evident in Penang today.

At the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the typical home of a rich Baba of a century ago is recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and of their many customs and traditions. With over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display, this Baba-Nyonya museum is also housed in one of Penang’s heritage mansion of eclectic design and architecture. Built at the end of the 19th century by one of local history’s famous personalities, the ‘Hai Kee Chan’ or Sea Remembrance Store had once served as the residence and office of Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee. Though not a Baba himself, his Chinese courtyard house was much like a typical large Baba home of eclectic style, incorporating Chinese carved-wood panels and English floor tiles and Scottish ironworks. Having survived the many decades of neglect and decay, the mansion has now been restored to its former glory of a stately home.

Source: http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my

Pictures:

Enterance to the mansion.

Location for many local dramas.

Fine art.

Opium smoking area.

Kebaya nyonya.

Old bedroom settings.

Old camera.

Glass cardboard full of porcelien antiques.

Fine craftmanship.

Wedding dress.


Baba cultural show.

Frying pan.

Kitchen utensil.

Steamboat set.

Water filter.

Oven Belling brand.

Meat mincer.

This mansion also available for functions.

Place of worship to the ancestor.

Address: 29 Lebuh Gereja George Town, Penang
Coordinate: 5.417856,100.341289

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