Pewter Pitcher

Pewter is primarily an alloy of tin, with small amounts of other metals for durability.  Modern pewter is lead-free and safe to use. It consists of 95% tin, along with copper and antimony.  Pewter is easy to shape.

The first pewter pitchers were produced in Europe, where they served wine and provided water during travel, especially on boats and ships.  Pewter pitchers remained popular throughout early American history, serving water, milk, and other beverages in homes.  During the Victorian era, they were used for social gatherings and parties.

 

Quill Pen

 

Quill pens have a rich history dating back to the 6th century. These elegant writing tools were widely used during the Middle Ages and even played a role in significant historical moments. Crafted from bird feathers, particularly those of swans, geese, and turkeys, quill pens were prized for their durability and ability to hold ink. Writers would sharpen the feather's tip, hollow out a small section to hold ink, and then dip it into an ink bottle. The quill pen's reign eventually gave way to fountain pens, which allowed continuous writing without frequent ink refills. Still, the quill pen remains a symbol of education, literature, and artistic expression.

The addition of a metal nib to quill pens occurred during the 17th century. This innovation allowed for more precise writing and improved ink flow. The metal nib replaced the traditional feather tip, making quill pens even more versatile. 

Candelabra

The word “candelabra” originated from Latin, where “candēlābrum” (candela, candle, -b(a)rum, holder) means a “candlestick.”

The earliest recorded candelabra dates back to ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. These candelabras were typically made of bronze and served as candle holders with multiple arms. 

In modern times, electricity has relegated candleholders to decorative use. Interior designers still draw inspiration from candelabra and candlesticks when creating light fixtures and accessories.

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Teapot.

 

Large Chinese Blue and White porcelain teapot. 

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Dragon Teapot.

 

A Chinese porcelain teapot with a spout and handle, decorated in cobalt-blue to both sides with dragon design.

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain. Bird Rice Wine Flask.

Blue and white porcelain with bird spout design and motifs of phoenixes. The blue and white color combination signifies purity and sophistication. These flasks were not only functional vessels but also symbols of status and taste.

Blue and white porcelain gained prominence during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and reached its zenith in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

 

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Vase.

The blue and white Chinese porcelain vases have a fascinating history.

1. Ancient Mesopotamian Influence: Underglaze blue and white pottery was initially introduced by the ancient Mesopotamians, who used cobalt oxide pigment to imitate lapis lazuli. Later, during the Islamic Abbasid Caliphate, blue and white pottery gained popularity across the Middle East.

2. Chinese Beginnings: The very first blue and white pottery in China emerged during the early Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) in Henan. However, these early pieces were earthenware rather than porcelain.

3. Yuan Dynasty Innovations: As cobalt arrived in China via the Silk Road, Yuan dynasty potters experimented with it. The porous surface of the vessels required precise brushwork. Initially greyish black, the heat of glazing transformed the cobalt into a brilliant blue.

4. Ming Dynasty Transformation: When the Ming dynasty began in 1368, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor) shifted from the detailed Islamic style to a dominant Chinese style.

 In this vase, do you see the face of a person in the tree?

 

Chinese Jade Peach Bonsai Tree.

A Chinese jade peach bonsai tree is a delightful and symbolic creation. These miniature trees often feature coral-colored hardstone peaches and leaves made of nephrite jade. They're not only visually appealing but also carry cultural significance. In Chinese culture, the peach symbolizes longevity and immortality. 

Chinese Ceramics. Hexagonal Plant Pot with Saucer.

 

The hexagonal ceramic plant pot style has a rich history dating back centuries. It gained prominence during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) in China. Crafted by skilled artisans, these pots featured intricate designs, often incorporating blue and white patterns or floral motifs. They were not only functional but also served as decorative pieces. Over time, this style has continued to evolve, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.

TOBE @ 15 Clarke Street. Exhibit: Artifacts

Self-Publishing - An Introduction

 

An informal talk sponsored by Lahat Road YMCA.  Self publishing is fulfilling and not complicated. The simplest is to publish a family photo book as a legacy project.

To view video recording:  Click Here. Click Here. 

What is Legacy?

Definition of Legacy

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary

Legacy is 

1: a gift by will especially of money or other personal property

2: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past. 

3: a candidate for membership in an organisation who is given special status because of a familial relationship to a member. 

Making Our Legacy Known

The tales of our lives are more than just the events that have occurred in our lives.  The tales of our lives are summaries of what are most important to us when thinking about a legacy and the meaning of everything we've done and lived for.

Some folks are already aware of the most significant factors. For many, it is their belief in God. It is an accomplishment in business, art, sports, or literature for some. Others remember the affection they enjoyed with their families and friends.

In a way, having a legacy plan well in advance is also a way of maneuvering our lives toward a future goal which, for many, will usually be purposely living where one's authenticity, honesty and trustworthiness are revealed. 

Questions on Legacy

What does success entail? It's critical to define this and develop a vision for what it should look like. The first step in figuring out how to get somewhere is to know where you want to go.

What would I like to be remembered for? What kind of a name do you wish to have? What is the main theme you'd like to hear played at your funeral...or the words engraved on your tombstone?

What are the three most important values in my life? What are the things that are most important to me? (Take a look at how you spend your time and money for a hint.) You may not like what you see, but it is an accurate reflection of your priorities.)

Is it possible for me to live in a way that reflects those values? If not, what adjustments do I need to do to get back on track?

The legacy you leave is built one day at a time, one person at a time, over a lifetime.

Legacy Projects

A legacy project is a tangible item that you make to communicate your legacy to future generations. This can include your history, significant life events, wisdom gained, love and relationships experienced, personal accomplishments, faith, hopes and dreams (realised and unrealized), and much more.

The significant things in your life will come to the surface while you work on your legacy project. Incorporate them into your plans in some way! You can use words, visuals, or music to do this. It's also not necessary for the text and images to be your own; this is why some people prefer to create collages or collections as a legacy project. So don't feel compelled to do so.

The Emergency and Chinese New Villages

 

The 2nd Leong Sin Nam Memorial Lecture

"The Emergency and Chinese New Villages" by Prof (Dr) Gary Lit Ying Loong

Opening Speech by Dr Leong Oon Keong:

Good afternoon, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to our Legacy Today Event Space at 15 Clarke Street. Clarke Street is now known as Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil. This shophouse was built by my grandfather, the late Mr Leong Sin Nam. I was born at the end lot of this row of shophouses.

This Legacy Today Event Space is one of our CSR Projects dedicated to preserving and celebrating our past, while also envisioning and shaping our future in Perak.  I wish to thank my wife Dr Lim and my 2 sons, for being so patient with me, while being away from home to get 15 Clarke Street up and running.  I also wish to pay tribute to my father and mother, the late Mr Leong Yeow Nyean and Mdm Chee Swee Ngoh who endorsed these projects with a gift to the community. We are expanding our outreach by acquiring next door to become an eatery.  We are currently looking for an F&B operator to collaborate with us.

By holding Events at 15 Clarke Street, we hope to inspire and educate future generations about our rich heritage. Carefully selected Events provide opportunities for engagement and dialogue on various challenges faced by our community.

This Event Space will also provide an avenue for young artistes, painters and craftsmen to exhibit their skills and products.  Today our young artist is Mr Daniel Lam Voon Phin who teaches and coaches young boys and girls how to play the piano and keyboard. Please contact him, if you have children wishing to learn how to play the piano or keyboard.

This Event Space also provides opportunities for social and charity projects.  You may wish to take home a bookmark and make a donation of any amount to the Perak Chest Society.  Your donation will help sponsor Caregivers to Respi-Care 2023.

There are several upcoming events, namely:- 1. Archaeological Discoveries in Bible Land 2. Perakian Contribution to the Founding of the Republic of China.

Our Photo Gallery exhibits images from years 1880 to 1940, a very eventful 60-year period, which is also the lifetime of Mr Leong Sin Nam.

This period encompassed the history of British Malaya, the Federated Malay States and the Rulers, Imperial China under the Qing Dynasty with the Last Emperor Puyi, the Chinese Diaspora, Dr Sun Yat Sen and the Chinese Revolution, the Nanyangs and the Rise of the Tin Industry in Malaya.

To discover the rich history from each picture on display, please scan the QR code provided.  Please also remember to visit our Blog for historical updates.

If you are a Perak History enthusiast, please let me know.  We hope to assist the Perak Tourism Board to popularise two Ipoh Heritage Trails, namely the The Cantonese Heritage Trail which encompasses Jalan Leong Sin Nam and The Sun Yat Sen Trail. 

Today, we are very privileged to have Prof (Dr) Gary Lit Ying Loong, from Singapore, to deliver the Second Leong Sin Nam Memorial Lecture.

Professor Dr Gary Lit obtained his BSc degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS), under the Singapore Public Service Commission Merit Scholarship in 1979.  He later pursued his MBA and MSc in UK and obtained his PhD from the University of Melbourne in Australia.  After retiring from the Nanyang Technology University, he became a visiting professor to several universities in Asia and Europe.  Besides conducting lectures and seminars, he has given numerous interviews with major newspapers and TV stations in Asia and Europe.

He has written a well acclaimed book “If the Skies Were to Fall”.  He will be sharing some very interesting stories from his book and you will be totally thrilled.

You may wish to purchase a copy of his book after the talk and have it autographed.

Today’s talk by Professor Gary Lit is on “The Emergency and the Chinese New Villages”.  He will bring to live the happenings during that time.  

The Emergency and Chinese New Villages by Emily Lowe

Ipoh Founded by Hakka Made Vibrant by Cantonese

This presentation is by Dr Richard Ng who is an Ipoh City Councilor.  

There are several facts which I find very interesting:

• Paloh Ku Miu was the Chinese Temple located near the Kinta River Jetty where the Chinese immigrants arrived.  The deity was brought from Penang to Ipoh by Leong Fee.  Leong Fee came to Malaya during the 1st wave of Chinese Migration.
• The table on Chinese ethnicity in the late 1800's and early 1900's showed that the Cantonese outnumber the Hakkas in Ipoh.
• The Hakkas were mainly tin miners whereas the Cantonese were mainly traders. 
• In the early days the Ipoh settlement was mainly located on one side of the Kinta River.  On the other side of the river the Chinese reared pigs.  The pig styes produced an overwhelming offensive stench for the settlement depending on the direction of blowing wind.  The British relocated the pig styes far away from the settlement and Yau Tet Shin bought up the land to build houses.  This was the beginning of the New Town of Ipoh across the other side of the Kinta River. 
• The Cantonese Trail has many interesting heritage sites. Very importantly it also included many business sites in the City.  These sites will be of great interest to the people of Guangzhou who are also Cantonese.  They will be willing to explore Ipoh to find out why their clansmen migrated to this place in the early days.  

The presentation is rather long but I am sure it will be worth your time going through the whole presentation. 

 

Urban Farming & Gardening Community

Learn how to obtain a licence from Ipoh City Council to do Urban Farming and Community Gardening.

Never tired of setting up a Christmas tree.

Christmas always brings back very fond memories of family and friends.  And I never forget Christ who makes it all possible.

This old Christmas tree from home now has a new location at 15 Clarke Street.

These are the new decor for the tree. 

Difference between a Successful Life and a Significant Life

What is the difference between a successful life and a significant life?

“The happiest people in the world are not the richest, best looking or most powerful; they are people who find value, meaning and purpose in selfless service and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
-Michael Josephson

Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to your maximum potential, sowing seeds that benefit others.

John Maxwell writes about 5 differences:-

Five Differences Between Success and Significance
1. Motives
With success, my motives may be selfish; with significance, my motives cannot be selfish.
2. Influence
With success, my influence is limited; with significance, my influence is unlimited.
3. Time
Success can last a lifetime; significance can last several lifetimes.
4. Focus
Success asks, “How can I add value to myself?” Significance asks, “How can I add value to others?”
5. Reward
If I pursue success, my joy is the result of my success; if I pursue significance, my joy is the result of others’ success.

Success is usually the steppingstone to significance. There has to be a certain amount of success in people’s lives before they are willing to take the step to significance, where they ask themselves, “What else is there in life beyond professional and monetary success?”

You are invited to the Inaugural Leong Sin Nam Annual Lecture

World TB Week 2018

Having a company culture is important.

Culture is the set of shared attitudes, goals, behaviors and values that characterises a group. In a company it adds up to how things get done and influences the entirety of the employees experience and thus the customer experience.

Sketching Workshop II

Something new in the market - pencil brush. An excellent product for sketching.