EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Ammar Syed Jamaludin recently brought pride to Penang by setting a new world auction record for Peranakan, or Straits Settlement, porcelain in Singapore.
A late 19th-century Famille Rose ‘Dragon and Phoenix’ Basin he sold through an international auction house in Singapore fetched S$89,000 (approximately RM288,000) on Sept 15. Including a 30% premium, the successful bidder, a private Singaporean collector, paid S$115,7000 (approximately RM372,650).
“It garnered such a high price because the porcelain, a wedding wash basin, is incredibly rare. I believe only a pair was ever made,” Ammar explained.
“It’s also rare due to its unusual central design. Typically, Peranakan porcelain features either a dragon or a phoenix. However, mine has both a dragon and a phoenix in the central medallion.
“An identical piece is currently on display at the Singapore Peranakan Museum and is highly sought after by Straits Chinese porcelain collectors, who regard it as a ‘fabled piece’ known as ‘Chong Cai,’ meaning a clashing of colours.
“The exhibit note states, ‘This basin was part of a large set of porcelain commissioned by a Peranakan family in Malacca. It is unusual for its central design of a dragon and phoenix chasing a flaming pearl, symbols of an auspicious bridal union. On loan from the Mariette Collection,’” Ammar added.
The basin in the museum is on loan from Roger & Betty Mariette, prominent collectors of Peranakan porcelain.
When asked if he was surprised by the record-breaking price, he replied, “I wasn’t surprised because of its significant historical value. However, I didn’t expect to set a new world record.”
The sale shattered the previous Singapore record of S$73,000 set in March 2023 and exceeded the Malaysian record of RM104,000 set in April 2023 by nearly four times! This highlights the increasing value and international interest in Peranakan heritage items.
The porcelain basin was one of several items acquired from the family of the late Sayyid Sheikh Al-Hady in Penang. It was an object of interest among various institutions, including the Singapore Museum Board, the Malaysian Ceramic Society, and private collectors.
During the two-week online bidding process, the basin attracted 82 bids and was eventually won by a private collector from Singapore.
The bidding started at S$12,000 and remained steady at S$16,000 with three days left. By the second last day, it surpassed S$20,000, and on the final day, Sept 15, it soared to S$45,000. Although there was a brief pause at that price for five minutes, in the final 38 minutes, the bids surged from S$45,000 to S$89,000.
“I’ve participated in a few online auctions, mostly as a buyer, but this one was exhilarating,” Ammar recalled.
Wong Hon Wai, state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, expressed his delight and congratulated Ammar and his mother, Misbahani Ibrahim, on their record-breaking feat.
He said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ammar and his family on this incredible achievement. His passion for heritage and antiques is not only commendable but also serves as an inspiration to many young Penangites who are interested in preserving our rich cultural heritage. The sale of the ‘Dragon and Phoenix’ basin has brought well-deserved recognition to both Ammar and Penang, further solidifying the state’s position as a key centre for Peranakan culture and art.
“The success of this auction highlights the growing international appreciation for Peranakan heritage, and I am confident that Ammar’s journey in this field will continue to elevate Penang’s cultural prominence on the global stage. His accomplishments show that the younger generation is more than capable of carrying forward the legacy of our rich traditions, while also finding innovative ways to connect with the global marketplace.”
Even as a child, Ammar had a keen sense of business, according to Misbahani. At seven, he sold his toys for RM35 to classmates at SJKC Chung Kwok in Kuala Lumpur, where his family had relocated. During his primary school years, he expanded his efforts, earning between RM500 and RM1,000 by selling a wider range of items purchased from a flea market.
As he grew, he developed a passion for historical architecture, particularly British colonial styles, and the Baba Nyonya Peranakan heritage, being a Jawi Peranakan himself. By his early teens, he had begun collecting antique items of moderate value, and his fascination with antiquities started with a visit to the Taiping Museum.
At 13, when his family moved to Penang, Ammar enrolled at Han Chiang High School, and Penang’s rich Baba Nyonya heritage further ignited his interest in collecting Peranakan antiques.
“I was fortunate to have great mentors early on, one in KL and another in Penang. Both are prominent in the antiques trade in Malaysia. I’m also grateful that I can speak Chinese, which helps me connect with ‘taukeys’ who deal with me,” he said.
At 15 or 16, Ammar expanded his collection to include furniture, textiles, and paintings, though Peranakan pieces remain his passion. With support from his mother, Ammar rented a shop in Jalan Kedah in November 2023 and launched ‘The Gallerist Company,’ offering antiques, home décor, and fine arts.
“I supported him with one condition — that he must pursue pre-university studies. I am not asking him to become an engineer or a doctor; I just want him to study something he is passionate about,” Misbahani said.
Ammar, who plans to undertake a foundation in Arts or a course related to the antique business, recently sold a Persian Qashqai carpet at a good price, noting its quality and intricate motifs, suggesting it may have been a wedding gift from a wealthy Iranian or royal family.
Among the noteworthy items in Ammar’s shop are a Straits Chinese Peranakan Wash Basin Stand from the late 19th century and Double-Leafed Carved Camphor Wood Panels from the late Qing Dynasty (1850-1912).
The wash basin stand features a pair of dragons and phoenixes among peonies, representing the harmony and balance of marriage, with the dragon symbolising the male and the phoenix symbolising the female. The central motif of the basin depicts the Eight Immortals, symbolising blessings like longevity, prosperity, and happiness, while squirrels along the edges symbolise fertility and abundance.
The intricately carved camphor wood panels showcase exceptional craftsmanship, with detailed scenes and three-dimensional branches, a testament to the height of traditional Chinese artistry.
Additionally, Ammar’s shop holds original documents from the Associated Press New York, covering the movements of the Imperial Japanese Army during the invasion of Malaya and Singapore in World War II. These documents, dating from 1941-1943, are a valuable part of his collection.
The Gallerist also collaborates with prestigious institutions and heritage spaces such as Eastern & Oriental Hotel and Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion. Through carefully curated consignment arrangements, Ammar’s collections grace the interiors of these iconic establishments, where they are featured in exclusive galleries and boutique spaces, offering guests a unique opportunity to bring a piece of history into their homes.
“We believe in the art of collaboration and remain enthusiastic about nurturing new partnerships in the future, continually expanding the reach of our collections across homes and world-class hospitality settings,” he explained.
Following his record-breaking sale, Ammar plans to participate in several physical auctions overseas in October.
“I hope to bring back a second museum piece if we are successful as a buyer,” Ammar said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and courtesy of Gallerist Company
