Mirror Plaque
Mirror
Plaque
Master Leong
About Mirror Plaques
A mirror plaque is a painted frame made of glass with inscriptions. It is commonly found in Chinese homes, either displayed on the altar or, in larger sizes, hung above the main entrance, facing outward. The former, known as an ancestor plaque, is used for honoring family ancestors during prayers, while the latter typically displays the family surname. In the past, mirror plaques were also given as celebration gifts, often presented to someone opening a new business. These plaques were inscribed with messages of good fortune and business prosperity.
Ancestor plaques are particularly common among the Hakka, Cantonese, and Hokkien clans. Crafting an ancestor plaque requires deep knowledge, as the content and length of the inscription vary according to clan customs. Unfortunately, much of this intellectual tradition is fading, as there has been no proper effort to preserve it. Traditionally, ancestor plaques are painted with a red background, while the inscriptions are made from gold paper, not gold paint.
According to Mr. Leong, an expert in this technique, this craft originated in China. In the past, mercury was used instead of paint or gold paper, but it had limited availability and was less durable. As a result, paints and gold paper gradually replaced mercury, making modern plaques last anywhere from three to ten years.
This craftsmanship is not limited to ancestor plaques. As mentioned, it was also used to create plaques for business gifts. In the old days, mirror plaques were a common sight in kopitiams, clinics, and retail shops in Ipoh. However, as social trends shifted, the demand for these plaques declined. Today, Mr. Leong is one of the few craftsmen still practicing this art. A standard-sized ancestor plaque takes a veteran craftsman a full day to complete due to the meticulous and time-consuming process. Sadly, with fewer young people willing to learn the craft, it is now a dying art in Ipoh.
"Although it’s hard to make a living, this is a family tradition, and I wouldn’t want it to disappear,"
- Master Leong
Process of making Mirror Plaques
STEP 1: DETERMINE THE INSCRIPTION
The inscription is decided based on clan and family customs. Each clan, such as Hakka, Hokkien, or Cantonese, follows its own traditions, requiring specific knowledge to craft the correct wording.
STEP 2: CREATE THE TEMPLATE
Once the inscription is finalized, the craftsmen create a template by outlining the letters on paper.
STEP 3: COLOUR THE MIRROR FRAME
The template is then placed beneath the glass, allowing the craftsmen to trace the letter outlines. Begonia flower powder is applied to the letters to protect them from paint. The remaining glass is painted with red, creating the background.
STEP 4: PLACE GOLD PAPER AS THE BASE
Once the background is filled with red paint, golden paper is placed behind the glass, making the letters stand out through the striking contrast of gold and red. The final step is to frame the glass, completing the ancestor plaque.
