Recommended Reading - Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia

This gorgeous book presents 36 houses across Southeast Asia and China, built by immigrant Chinese between the late 18th and early 20th century.

The first part of the book gives an overview of the situation of that period, describing living conditions, trade links and social attitudes in China and Southeast Asia, giving the context in which these homes were built.

Each house is given a short chapter of its own, with a brief history and description of its owners, and the house itself, including construction details with accompanying photographs.

One chapter is devoted to the archetypical Singapore shophouse / terrace house.

The last section of the book describes 4 homes in China built by returning Chinese in their ancestral villages for their retirement.

What I thought was interesting;

• All of the homes have been restored, to varying degrees of authenticity for the period in which they were built
• Most of the homes appear to have converted into museums or for commercial use, particularly the ones in Singapore and Malaysia.
• The very ornate and opulent furniture displayed in many of the houses.

This is a perfect coffee-table book, which has something for both the quick browser, and for the studious enthusiast.

Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia: The Eclectic Architecture of Sojourners and Settlers

Small altar

This small altar is made of walnut wood, with 4 drawers. When we found it, it was being used by an 8-year old boy to sit on while tying his shoelaces. Circa 1910.

this unique piece is available at our showroom for

RM 5800
SOLD

Bamboo and bone Mahjong tiles

This set of mahjong tiles is made from bamboo and bone (see how it's made). Players used to modern plastic tiles may find these tiles a tad small, but they make up for this by being infinitely more aesthetically appealing.

This Mahjong set is available at our showroom for

RM 480
SOLD

Small cabinet with inlaid bone design

This low cabinet from Ningbo in South China is about 80 years old. The front is decorated with inlaid bone in floral designs. The cabinet has two drawers, and two doors open to the lower compartment which has a shelf.

This cabinet is available at our showroom for

RM 1980.