Ying Kee Hong has reopened after 20 years of closure, only to finally close permanently on Sunday (Apr 2). We speak to the founder’s daughter-in-law and granddaughter to find out why.
Whereas other children played with toy soldiers, dragons and horses made of plastic, Yinshan Loh’s collection was made of ancient Chinese bronze.
“Singapore did not have diplomatic relations with China then,” Judy explained. “It wasn’t easy for anyone to go. You had to write a lot of excuses and letters, saying you have relatives there. My father-in-law had connections and saw potential in Chinese antiques.” The year was 1972 when the latter married into the Loh family. Even though the newlyweds enjoyed a shared interest in Chinese antiques, only she came on board .When she joined, Ying Kee Hong had just moved to Geylang and was in its heyday for one reason: The Cultural Revolution in China was afoot.
“Business was so good. People queued late into the night. All of them were dignitaries and business tycoons. They’d say: How much do you have? Just give them to me. I’ll take them all.”Mr Loh died in 1979. Ten years later, so did his wife. The second and third generations tried to keep the shop alive but were thwarted as China began to open up.
New technologies, like carbon dating, make no guarantees either as some antiques are made of old clay and new paint. Plus, craftsmen were fond of replicating the work of the previous dynasty. Sometimes, when collectors are on to details the Lohs aren’t, they even make a killing. This process also unearthed relics of her childhood, like a computer mouse controlled by a joystick; and documents from her grandfather’s journey, like custom declaration forms from as early as 1962.“At first, my parents were like, ‘let’s throw them away, it’s garbage’. I said no, I think this is a piece of history. It would be great if we can trace these documents and see what he did. I’m so glad that we have them because I can also track where my grandfather went and what he bought.
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