Cong Xi ancestral temple
Cong Xi ancestral temple is at bevel Jingsha administration, Caitang, established by Chen Xunian. Begin form 1870 and finish in year 1884, last a period of fourteen years.
Ancestral temple from west to east, 31.22 meter wide, 42.25 meter deep, is two courtyard layouts, between antehall and back-hall is dooryard, corridor of two sides, there is mansion in back-hall, forming four halls face layout, back-hall face three room wide, three room deep, raise frame type structure, floor extend marble specification brick.
Full of beauty building and adornment in eyes, make whole building look more magnificent, in front of gate installed a pair of delicate stone lion, room frame is two-sides hollow-enchase stone carving. But the most acclaim is the four stone carving inlayed in building wall, this four stone carved is respectively take farming, business, fishing, wood-cutting, furrow, reading, flower, bird and fish as theme, each stone inscription is well exert ¡°Zhi¡± style composition, make different people, case and thing centralize in one picture, concentrate story polt. Represent most beautiful moment. A ¡°Fishing, wood-cut, furrow and reading¡± picture, distribute 25 people, or interlude on booth and pavilion, or appear and disappear in forest maze, or casting. Or herd return home, expression in difference and lifelike. ¡°flower, bird, worm and fish¡± get victory for nature, root from life but higher than life. Spread wings bird, jumping fish, big and fleshy lotus, blooming flower¡¡all without exception remarkably like the true, its high art accomplishments can called marvelous.
Chaozhou woodcarving also very delicate, frame, mansion, girder, pole and insert piece are all adorned with Chaozhou gold lacquer woodcarving, represent resplendent and magnificent art effect. Chaozhou people Chen Xunian, Qing dynasty Haiyang, Shangpu (Now Caitang, Chaoan) Jinsha people. Lose father in year of drought, family circumstances is poor when he is a child. Poor and abasement make Chen Xunian decide to make a living out of ocean when he seventy years old. In year 1844, impecunious Chen Xunian run a risk hides into red head boat which is bound for Malaya, come to Roufu country (now is Roufu state , Malaysia) alone. At first, he and numerous Chao membership villagers cultivate in virgin forest, full taste the world hardships, and sell cloth as occupation. Later Roufo Sudan appear economy crisis, and he is praised due to discover tin.
Chen Xunian make friend with peer A Bujia (Oversea Chinese called him Tianmeng, it is said his mother is Chaozhou people) and become sworn brother. This peer can speak Chaozhou word; hold over Roufo Sudan in 1862. In year 1864, he hand 10 ports inside border to Chen Xunian. When Chen Xunian is 39 years old, become the biggest harbor host of Malaya. Hometown of Chen Xunian commonly called Shalong, so the biggest port at Xinshan called old Shalong port. From year 1868, Chen Xunian become the most famous merchant in South Ocean, appointed ¡°Jia Bidan¡± (Overseas Chinese leader), and awarded ¡°Zizhegn¡± title. Up to present there is a ¡°Chen Xunian street¡± in Roufo Xinshan, which is in order to commemorate his achievement.
With development of career, he moves his work barycenter to developing Singapore. In the year 1870, Chen Xunian invest in bevel Jinsha, establish ¡°Cong Xi ancestral temple¡±, when Chen Xunian migrate to Singapore, employ craftsman in Chaozhou and carry material to there, follow the style and pattern of ¡°Cong Xi ancestral temple¡±, establish rank as nation fifth ancient building ¡°Zi Zheng Di¡± between Mensuo Road and Binlang Road in Keli. June of year 1984, Singapore take this only exist Chao style ancient building as picture print and distribute stamp. This not only the glory of Chen Xunian family, also make Chinese proud of it. This building now is the commonweal establishment, open to public for free.
Chen Xunian retire and return hometown in his late years, take care of himself, die in native place when 75 years old.
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