Rare Chinese sign maker may have to shutter

Lee Teik Chye has run his signage business from this shop for 15 years. 

GEORGE TOWN: Traditional Chinese signage artist Lee Teik Chye had often thought that his business would someday come to an end since none of his able children was interested in carrying on the family legacy of specialist woodcarvers.

But when the Covid-19 lockdown came in March, he knew that the demise of his unique trade was imminent. There have been no new orders, making it hard for him to pay the rent for the Acheen Street shophouse where he plies his trade.

“I’ve been paying RM2,000 in rent for the past three months when I can’t even open shop and there are no new orders at all,” he told FMT when he reopened yesterday.

“I don’t think I can take it anymore. If there is still no business in the coming months, I have no choice but to close shop.”

Lee is one of three in the trade who still carve by hand. Others use machines.

Until the lockdown, he was highly sought after because he specialises in the kind of three-dimensional art that is attainable only through hand carving.

He has seven children. Six are not interested in learning the trade. The one who did show interest when he was a child has become an invalid because of a road accident.

Lee learnt the art of carving from his father, who was born in China’s Fujian province. He started when he was seven. When he was 25, he took over the business at the back lane of his family home on Nanking Street.

Fifteen years ago, he decided to rent the current shophouse, which he said was decrepit and now infested with pythons. He said he had looked for other shophouses in town, but the rent was at least RM5,000 a month, leaving him with no choice but to remain where he is.

Lee working on one of his more intricate carvings.

Some of the signs he makes are hung at the doors of Chinese homes. These spell out the surnames of the households and they are believed to attract luck and prosperity.

There are also signs with proverbs or words of appreciation and gratitude. These are usually ordered by people who want to present them to others. They would often be found in the offices of doctors and lawyers, Lee said.

The signs are made from large chunks of wood, typically from the hardy Jelutong tree. But since Jelutong has become rare and expensive, he would now usually use the wood of farmed trees such as Meranti and Batu.

Each board is sold for at least RM2,900. The price can go up to RM25,000, depending on the complexity of the design. Most boards take at least two weeks to complete, but the more complex ones take about a month.

The process begins with the flattening of large chunks of wood, which are then cut into certain sizes. Then, the Chinese characters and motifs such as clouds or dragons are carved.

Afterwards, a layer of putty is applied and dried in preparation for paint, typically gold for the characters on a black background.

“The most expensive one I made was one with a background with gold leaves costing over RM20,000,” Lee said. “I also get orders from people who are not Chinese.”

He said he was willing to teach the art to anyone interested to learn, but the person must promise to work at his shop for at least a year and buy up a quarter’s share of his business.

“If all goes well, I am willing to give my business up to anyone,” he said. “This is open to any Malaysian who wants to learn. I don’t care if you are Chinese or not.” - FMT