A Tin Magnat's House in Phuket

First Sino-European House Built in Phuket,

Phuket's local bus trips are an event in their own right, an open  tray  truck with a roof and benches running down each side.  There is a half wall behind the seats to lean on and the company of locals and tourists alike. I would make the trip into Phuket Town almost daily in order to draw the Sino-Colonial buildings. Walking up and down the old town streets, talking to the locals and listening to their advice the days passed quickly. The first week was taken up drawing houses and shops, but as I moved further afield I came upon the more upmarket residences. Most were former tin magnet's houses. One of the more important ones was Chinpracha House on Krabi Road.

Chinpracha House, Phuket.

Built in 1903 by a Mr. Tan Ma Siang a descendant of  Mr. Tan Niaw Yee, soldier and early tin magnet. Many Chinese were attracted to Phuket Island in the early days, first as labour and later many of the more imaginative ones became middle men or miners in their own right. Most of these houses were built in a European Style, mainly with Classical or Art Nouveau  features. Chinpracha House is a good example and the current owner is a sixth generation descendant. In recent years she has opened the house as a museum and I found the cool interior very seductive on a hot day.

The house is one of the cultural attraction of Phuket with many unique features. It's fences were imported from Holland, while several wonderful example of Italian tiles have been used through the house. I was very much struck by the design of some Art Nouveau tiles of which I have posted a photo. The house has been left in it's original condition, so the visitor is able to grasp a good idea of the living condition of these entrepreneurs.

Art Nouveau Tiles.

At the heart  is an courtyard and central fish pond, but roofed with a glass ceiling around which the residence branching out. This arrangement gives the house an oriental version of a Classical Roman Villa. Frittered with Quin rosewood inlaid furniture , imported from China during the 19th cent. internal columns and relief plasters all add to the opulent feel.

Central Courtyard.

Inlaid Rosewood Furniture.

The current owner was born in the house, while the children's nursery and a very historic wood fired kitchen still stands in mint condition, another interesting feature is the ceramic wash basin.

Cermaic Washbasin.

Many Chinese were drawn here both rich and poor with the introduction of open cut tin mining ventures [Mhuang Harb] which required large amounts of labour. Many new mines were opened up during the 19th cent. creating numerous Chinese communities. Mining continued until quite recently, only ceasing in 1986 after some 300 years.

Woodfired Stove.