How is lifestyle in Penang during the 18th-20th century colonial era?
The Penang Colonial Museum showcases Penang's colonial past and art from the wealthy merchants of Penang. Some of these pieces were sold to this museum because the new generation found them old-fashion!
I found real Roman pillars in the gardens of this museum. I learnt that back in the olden days, chairs for ladies and men were made differently; chairs for ladies had extra hooks before the arm rests for men to pull the chairs out for ladies to sit. More interesting are the designs of the legs of desks. They either looked like an animal's claw or head. There is an early harpsichord here too and a whole ship sewn together using cloves. Oh, and I also learnt that the founder of Eu Yan Sang had 11 wives!!!
The owner of this museum, Mdm Jasmine Tan
This museum is a former Peranakan Baba Nyonya mansion
19th Century White Carrara marble statues by renowned artist Atelier R. Bigazzi Florence. White Carrara marble is the pride of the Apuane Alps and it is one of the famous ornamental stones throughout the world.
Instead of taking photographs back then which was unknown of, the wealthy usually request artists to carve sculptures of their loved ones.
A reversed glass painting
Did you know that back in the British colonial days in Penang, a bag of cloves is equivalent to a bag of gold?
This whole ship was sewn with cloves. It was worth a fortune back then.
Francois Linke's specialty in his designs are paw feet legs.
Look at the lion's eyes. They are real gold!
The owner of this museum
Another of Francois Linke's creations, a 20th century piano. The piano keys are made of ivory and its black keys are made of ebony wood. There are only 2 of these pianos in the whole world.
Look at the piano's feet!
Stained glass windows depicting scenes from Greek mythology 1926
The Nyonya table
Look at the feet!
The Baba table
The Baba and Nyonya tables were used in weddings. In the olden days, the bride and groom had to sit on separate tables; the round table was for the groom and the oval table for the bride. The table of the groom is always 1 inch higher as he is the final decision maker of the family.
Alvin, a very informative guide, explaining about an ornate Captain's desk.
Secret compartments in the desk
Dining table from an Indian Muslim merchant
See the 'hook' on both ends of the chairs (shoulder-level)? Those are for men to pull the chairs out for ladies to sit.
20 Roman pillars in the garden
Look at the feet! I walked through this museum noticing at the feet of tables and chair!!! So intricately carved and designed.
The framed lighting with 6 light bulbs was made for a snooker table.
A food warmer
The bird of paradise
The Myth
The bird of paradise is known to have supernatural connection to life and immortality. This bird never rests from flight
In the 16th century, some said that this bird was found by some merchants and they removed its wings and feet, hence, this bird spent its life 'floating' in the air.
An angry god carved into a giant tree stump from Indonesia
Harpsichord is a stringed keyboard and was developed in Europe somewhere around 14th-15th century.
Eu Tong Sen, the founder of famous Eu Yan Sang, hailed from Penang. He was a businessman in traditional Chinese medicine in Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong in the 19th century to 20th century. He was born in 1877 and died in 1941, survived by 13 sons and 11 daughters through his ELEVEN wives!
Gifts from merchants
These souvenirs are original pieces of porcelain, each comes with a certificate of authenticity.
7 Jalan D. S. Ramanathan (Scott Road)
Penang
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