Master Leong
" Although it’s hard to make a living, this is a family tradition, and I wouldn’t want it to disappear"
The Mirror Plaque Master
Master Leong is a skilled craftsman specializing in the traditional Chinese ancestral plaque (神主牌), created using a unique technique known as the mirror plaque. In addition to ancestral plaques, he also crafts other mirror plaques for various purposes, all made by his skilled hands. With over 30 years of experience, Master Leong's journey into the art began with his father during his teenage years. Although he initially pursued a different career, his father’s influence eventually led him back to the family business, making him the second generation to carry on this unique craft.
These plaques are deeply rooted in Chinese traditions. Master Leong explains that the process is meticulous, involving hand-painting, inscribing content, and assembling materials like glass and wood. Beyond the physical skill, a strong grasp of Chinese literature is essential, as many inscriptions are written in classical Chinese. The traditional methods are labour-intensive and demand both physical and mental focus. Due to the complexity of the process, he may only be able to produce one ancestor plaque per day, and even that depends on favourable weather conditions, as the paint requires sunlight to dry. Each plaque costs around RM250. In contrast, modern craftsmen often opt for faster, cheaper alternatives, making traditional techniques less popular. According to Master Leong, only a handful of craftsmen in Ipoh still possess this specialised knowledge.
Despite these challenges, Master Leong remains devoted to his craft, motivated by pride and a desire to preserve the traditional skills passed down from his father. "Although it’s hard to make a living, this is a family tradition, and I wouldn’t want it to disappear," he says. He also notes that fewer young people are interested in continuing the tradition, making the profession increasingly rare. Master Leong’s story reflects the struggles faced by many traditional artisans worldwide, where modernization and changing cultural practices threaten the survival of age-old crafts. Even at the age of 81 (as of 2020), Master Leong is committed to preserving this significant part of his culture, despite the uncertain future of the craft.
" Although it’s hard to make a living, this is a family tradition, and I wouldn’t want it to disappear"
- Master Leong
