MELAKA carries a certain charm of its own when people think of a purely vintage environment, allowing travellers to easily explore the gems of the past.
Often the historical element attached to a site within the colourful locale is linked to the golden age of the Malacca Sultanate and indubitably its conquest by the Europeans.
But let's not forget that part of the political and cultural patterns of our history was also shaped by Mahayana Buddhism, which spread across South Asia, Central Asia, East Asia as well as Southeast Asia. It remains influential today and is even practised (mostly) by ethnic Malaysian Chinese today.
This was reminded a while back when The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle team took a stroll down what was once an unpaved dirt road known as Jalan Tukang Besi, likely to date back to the Dutch era.
An appreciation towards art and antiquities
Casually working on a light fixture to be added to his studio-cum-gallery, 64-year-old Peter Chong had graciously invited us into his space to check on the progress of his passion project despite the lazy afternoon.
“I guarantee that you cannot find the kind of collection you see here today in other places around the area,” Chong said enthusiastically.
“I keep some of the statues and antiques for myself because I just love them. Of course, if there is an opportunity to sell, I’ll look into it prudently.”
The art collector who has been furnishing his interest for more than two decades has been based – and living – at his current space, which normally operates as an eatery, for about seven years already.
Along with his wife, he had been running a small-scale restaurant specialising in Thai cuisine called ‘Waree Thai Kitchen’. However, at the time of the interview, his wife was not to be seen as she was back in her home country due to the pandemic.
“I developed an interest in collecting Buddha statues/artefacts and paved my way into the [art and antique] world by learning about it on my own,” shared Chong.
“Back in my 20s, I was a professional boxer and was based in Thailand. It’s where I met my current wife.
“We met much later in life, of course, but my affinity towards the heritage up north has always been a pulling factor since young.
“To clarify, I am not selling religion, I purely offer art (both) for the curious and those interested,” he added.
“The space that you see here is actually a different shop that I bought over just next door to my business.
“What I have in mind is to display my collection in a separate space than the restaurant and turn it into a mini-museum so that people can come and enjoy it.
“In a way, my wife can monitor the kitchen while I monitor the art more strategically,” he added.
Welcoming unfinished business
Months after our initial meeting, the writer paid a visit to Chong’s shop again and noticed that all his collections have been carefully moved and displayed in the new gallery that was once empty with only concrete flooring.
Now, a plaque with the writing ‘Air of Serenity’ could be found welcoming guests into the art and antique gallery.
However, it has yet to be fully open to the public but again the art collector was seen happily welcoming the team to give us an update on his construction progress.
This time, his wife can be seen busy preparing a meal in the kitchen at the restaurant next door, equally welcoming us with the warmth that Chong had extended.
“I plan to complete this renovation by the end of February. By then, I think the atmosphere will be more proper to welcome guests,” he said.
“However, I’m not in a constant rush to meet such a deadline. I am already at my retirement age so I’m taking my time doing something I love,” he said while busy working on an amulet at his workstation.
Chong added that he wishes for every corner of his space to plainly emulate the eagerness he has towards the art he values.
Although the restaurant and gallery that he owns are waiting to be fully functional to entertain customers at an ideal capacity, one could still experience the liveliness of each.
This is evidently because the spaces serve more than just where the couple work, it is their nest (of sorts). The clinical aspect of the shophouse has been delightfully taken away by the breath of human energy that makes it cosier.
Being born and raised in Melaka is a fact that Chong enjoys. He noted that he would not want to chase the hustle and bustle of a bigger metropolitan.
“A lot has changed since, but my heart remains here,” he said.
This kind of meeting satisfactorily makes the experience of exploring old quarters reflecting Malaysia and its people unique, which should continue to be encouraged. – The Vibes, January 8, 2022
*Get to know more about Peter Chong and his art collection in the video interview below…
