I left Bukit Brown today knowing a bit more about Mr. Lee Peng Seng thanks to his grandchildren present today during their Qing Ming visit to Bukit Brown. What i can see for sure is a man and the legacy he left behind. It was a legacy of love and filial piety that have lasted almost a hundred years and hopefully. His grandchildren and 1 great grandchild was present today and i am grateful in their generosity in sharing what they know about him and especially the rare photos of him and his family.
Lee Peng Seng was a merchant who came to seek for fortune like many others before him. The grandchildren present do not have much details about the name of his chop (company) nor who Lee Peng Seng parents are but they do have with them, a wealth of photos which some were shared with us. This included pictures of 2 of his wives. From the number of photos shared, i guess the Lee Peng Seng was well to do with the ability to manage his company as well as a growing family. The family photo that was passed down to his children and grandchildren was the reason for my theory as well. As to why Lee Peng Seng was buried in the Pauper Section is a mystery to all of us at the moment.
Lee Peng Seng passed away at the age of 37 on 15 September 1932.
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| Lee Peng Seng |
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Mrs. Lee Peng Seng and her son, Lee Ah Kau
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| Two wives of Lee Peng Seng |
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| Mrs. Lee Peng Seng |
Grandchildren and great grandchildren honoring their ancestor
Below are some the photos of the Lee's paying respects to Mr. Lee Peng Seng. What caught my eye also of their tradition for many years of offering the 3 different meats - Chicken, Fish and Pork. I asked the Lee's what is the significance to them, they mentioned it is a tradition they do all the time ! I think maybe it is related to Confucian practice called the Three Sacrifices" (三祭, sanji) which refer to rituals honoring Tian (Heaven), distinguished teachers like Confucius, and one's ancestors, symbolizing the roots of creation, civilization, and family. (If you know other meanings of the offerings of Chicken, Pork and Fish, do leave a comment).
Can anyone make out the name of this studio and where was it located ?
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| The Studio where Lee Peng Seng portrait was taken |
Acknowledgment: My sincere thanks to the Lee family for sharing the photos and their personal stories of their ancestors.
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