One of the most remarkable personalities of 19th century Malaya, Chung Keng Kwee – millionaire philanthropist, tin mining pioneer, political leader, founder of Taiping – left an indelible contribution to Penang’s cultural heritage. He commissioned two adjacent buildings, the magnificent ancestral hall Shen Zhi Jia Shu and the prestigious family mansion Hai Ji Zhan, that stand today as a lasting testimony to another age. This innovative and beautifully-illustrated book offers a unique insight into Chung’s life and how it found expression in the splendour of his architectural creations.
Over 200 photographs and images help guide the reader to a thorough understanding Peranakan of the true history and hidden meanings of these magnificent buildings, which are better known today as George Town’s Peranakan Mansion complex.
