Day 3 - Jom Jalan! @ Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Pulau Pinang. (PART II)

Assalamualaikum,

Now moving on upstairs where more treasures are waiting. I was so excited to be at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion since it is bigger than the Melaka Baba Nyonya Museum. At this point I was amazed with its elaborately decorated ceiling where epergne-like lamps are hung in between lanterns and backdropped by the intricate carving of the wood panels and Scottish-iron arches, it was just a breathtaking work of interior design and architecture for me.

The Main Staircase

The Main Staircase incorporates the use of both local and imported materials in its construction, its handrail with balusters of cast iron, from Glasgow, Scotland. A distinct feature of European influence includes the hollowed out design of fleur-de-lis on the decorative ironwork.

A huge framed embroidered fabric hanging on the wall.

Oh I love love love this cabinet. Just how much work & passion has been put into this piece or art? You of course can buy the likes at Jonker Walk, Melaka for most choices.

Overlooking the Courtyard at the Ground Floor.

I was attracted to one corner of the house.

Floral sink. Where can you find sinks like this anymore? =)

Gold thread embroidery.

I am still unsure what are these but I think they look pretty scary.

I think some of those are Tepak Sirehs. Eating betel leaf is originally an Indian culture but became popular among the Malays and has a significant importance in Malay wedding cultures.

A tall vase with dragon motives on it.


Below are a stunning collection of jewellery indicating the fortune of these Baba & Nyonya family.

Gold Necklaces & Bangles.

Silver & Emerald necklaces, bangles, wristlets and earrings.

They were used for fashion shows promoting the unique culture and heritage of Peranakan in Pulau Pinang.

Check out the unique design which are rare these days.

My favourite piece of gold and ruby brooch. Gorgeous to be worn on a Kebaya.

Check out this camera! The largest I have seen so far! =D And of course we know in the olden days, a camera belongs to a family definitely shows the luxury of the family.

Ummi & I were fascinated by the collection of Porcelain that they have. Nevertheless this Mansion welcomes additional pieces to add in their collection. Such exquisite taste coming from the people of the old.

China Blue Ware.

One of the rooms on the First Floor.

A Day Bed where the male members laze around smoking opium.  Yes when you are rich you just have to get high in the best way possible. Heh.

Two Chinese with a modest layout between them, one smoking and the other ready with the needle. This cross-legged pose is commonly seen in old photos of reclining opium smokers. The back of the photograph is labeles "Opium Smokers South China." Photographer unknown.

Epergnes. I love seeing the light illuminates from the soft colours of the epergnes. I still can't pronounce this word but I know the value of these English lamp pieces are high in value. I saw 1 piece of epergne was about RM 800 - 1000 at one antique store in Penang although it looked nothing near the beauty of these here.

Now we are entering the rooms of the female members of the Mansion.

Grandfather Clock.

Hand Wash Basin.

Very fine porcelain baby and cherub figurines.  Yes rich people don't buy necessities, they collect things which are unnecessary but later will produce more money for them in the future. =)

A cuppa tea anyone? =)

A TV! =)

A Radio and Golf Set.

Ooooohhhhh my most favourite! The Dressing Table! =)

Woods of Windsor Talcum & Face Powder.

Coty Cosmetics. A brand which only Ummi recognized.

Bedak Batu. =)

Pond's from way back. =)

Bridal Gowns. I feel they look pretty spooky though.

Expensive Lace I bet.

Portraits of Baba & Nyonya or the Emperor & Empress in China.

The man who founded Taiping. His name? Mr. Tai Ping. Yes believe it. =)

Another favourite room of mine. Kebaya Nyonya room.

1 piece may cost thousands of  Ringgit depending on the intricacy of the embroidery. I always feel Kebaya Nyonya looks decent and so feminine yet look so effortlessly sexy on the one wearing it.

Cupboard specifically for colourful beads meant to be sewn on Kebayas and Slippers.

My favourite pic. Eheh. =D

A typical Baba Nyonya Bed. Classic. =)

Another dressing table.

Ahah. A bed for Newlyweds. The detail and decorations are so elaborated I am not sure I could find my Groom if I were the Bride on it. =D

Penang Baba & Nyonya couple on their 3rd Day of Wedding in the 1930's. The Bride's Kim Suak Sah is matched with a red & gold Songket Sarong.  There it shows the Nyonya wears a fusion of Chinese & Malay costume while the Baba looks as Western as a Westerner can be. Such a handsome couple. =)

A Bridal Gift I think. Anyways it is just lovely. =)

A Bride's Wedding Crown.

Some other antiques put in one of the rooms.


*sigh* So yes that was the complete tour of booth floors. I am still mesmerized by the elegance of their lifestyle. Compliments to the State Government as well as the administration of this Mansion for their endless effort in preserving this unique heritage of Penang. It makes me proud to be a Malaysian knowing that they are still properly preserved for the enjoyment of the younger generation. So yes, do visit this Mansion when you visit Penang for you to be mesmerized yourself. =)

Before you leave of course you should drop by at the Gift Shop for good quality souvenirs related to Penang & the Peranakan ancestry.

 From T-Shirts, Bags, Books, Framed Photos, Magnets etc.

 Home ornaments.

 Just love this Flower Bouquet here.

Sweet memories at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. The historical escapade is highly appreciated. =)


Thank you for reading. =)

XOXO,
Sue