Penang’s hidden gem

Dive into Chowrasta’s antique world

KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR) – Nestled at the terminus of Jalan Chowrasta in the vibrant heart of George Town, Penang, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: the Lim Kee Old Collection Shop. 

Under the stewardship of Lim Chin Ping, 48, this quaint stall has graced the ground floor of Chowrasta Market for the past year, offering visitors a captivating array of antiquities. 

From vintage movie posters to rare banknotes and coins, alongside an eclectic mix of toys, watches, and nostalgic glimpses of old Penang, this enclave beckons aficionados and curious explorers alike to step into a world where history and culture converge.

Lim’s passion for collecting spans over a decade, a journey that began after he left his role as an advertisement representative with a Chinese newspaper company.

“I have over 2,000 items kept in boxes, albums and on display.

“Many of my favourite items – which are not for sale – are also on display.

“One of them is a Pagol clock from the 1960s, in pristine condition, which I obtained about five years ago.

“This clock is one of a kind and I don’t think I would be able to find it anywhere else,” he said

Lim expresses a deep affection for his expansive collection, emphasising his reluctance to part with any of the items.

“My sentiment stems from the realisation that once an item is sold, its uniqueness transforms into a rarity, making its reappearance in the market a matter of sheer luck,” he said.

Beyond the confines of his shop, Lim is the custodian of numerous other treasures stored at his home and in rented storage rooms.

These items, from bygone eras, are not merely possessions to him but fragments of history that he strives to preserve.

“Unfortunately, the fleeting nature of these old items becomes apparent as people often neglect to maintain them, causing them to become rare specimens over time.

“My dedication to safeguarding these items is rooted in a profound understanding of their historical value and the stories they encapsulate.

“In an effort to attract more customers, I make it a point to regularly rotate and update the assortment of items featured at my stall.

“This ensures a consistently appealing display to also captivate the interest of potential and new customers,” he said.

Lim said his role as a businessman went beyond mere commercial transactions, it was a commitment to ensure the cultural and historical significance of these antiques endures for future generations.

It was important to maintain the legacy of these items that might otherwise be forgotten or lost to time, he said.

“Each antique is not just a collector’s item but a piece of living history that contributes to the rich tapestry of human experience.

“I consider my collection to be a repository of memories, a bridge connecting the present to a bygone era, and a reminder that within the layers of history lie treasures waiting to be unearthed and appreciated.”

At the stall, the captivating items piqued the interest of onlookers.

Notable among the items were vintage movie flyers from the vibrant cinematic era of the 1960s and 1970s, now existing as charming relics of cinematic history.

These pieces of art not only provided a glimpse into the entertainment culture of the bygone decades but also sparked nostalgia.

The stall’s collection of old toys transport visitors to a time when playthings were simpler.

Among these were traditional wooden tops, which evoked memories of carefree days and laughter-filled afternoons.

The metallic clinks of aluminium toys from Japan, shaped like insects, added international flair to the eclectic assortment of Lim’s collection.

He also has a wooden board showcasing vintage bus tickets, which serves as a tangible link to the past.

Lim said he gravitated towards collecting items that resonated with his own childhood experiences and owning these artefacts was not merely a business venture but a personal journey into the realms of nostalgia.

“By selecting items from my youth, I aim to create a space where customers can explore their own past, and in this way, my stall becomes a living testament to the enduring power of cherished memories.

“I have numerous photographs of old Penang, including one showcasing a gateway leading into China Street that was erected in commemoration of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.

“Without this photograph, the existence of such a gateway might have faded into obscurity, and many would have overlooked its historical significance,” he said.

Lim’s stall at Lot 1-155 of the Chowrasta Market is open from 9am to 1pm and closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.