A little bird told me .............
Named after this man who built this mansion to prove his wealth at the age of 40.
Building materials came from the west,design elements of the east., one of reason is to delight his foreign clients.
Came from China as labourer, strick it rich, by learning business techniques from his rich father-in-law.
Has 8 wives, the 7th wife stayed at this mansion.
Died at age 76 in Jakarta. Wife couldn't maintain the mansion and subsequently sublet the rooms.Slowly many of the furniture and fittings were removed by his children from the other wives.
1990- a group of heritage conservationists acquired it and completed the restoration work in 1997.
Ground floor- visitor's room , used for entertaining guests and business associates
Family room divided by a panel made of gold leaf carved in mother-of-pearl.
Feng Shui elements- bats, fruits, flowers- all in pairs carved onto the window panels, doors and beds
2000- won the Most Excellent Project Award of the Unesco Heritage Conservation Award
1995- won the National Architectural Award for Conservation.
Was the location site for the Hollywood film INDOCHINE staring Catherine Deneuve
Guided tours lasting 2 hours are conducted only 2 times a day, as it is believed that the spirit of the mansion cannot be disturbed.Photograpy of the mansion during the tour is not permitted.
ref: Travel Times-Apr10 2007
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