Teen’s Antique Watch Basin Sells for Over RM370,000 at Auction

Ammar Syed Jamaludin’s Love for Antiques Pays Off

PETALING JAYA: Sometimes, a treasure can pop up when you least expect it. Such was the case for 18-year-old Ammar Syed Jamaludin, who sold a Straits Chinese Peranakan wash basin for a whopping SG$115,700 (RM374,174).

A Chance Discovery

Ammar, founder of Penang-based antique business The Gallerist Company, initially only planned on purchasing an ornate cabinet that once adorned the wedding chamber of a Peranakan family.

A Unique Find

The cabinet had a wash basin inside, which was just as exquisite. “There were different colours on the rim and centre of the bowl. It was striking,” Ammar told FMT Lifestyle.

About the Wash Basin

The porcelain basin has 12 alternating yellow-and-green panels running along its rim, while its centre bears the images of a phoenix and a dragon chasing a golden pearl.

A Potential World Record

After much thought, Ammar put the wash basin up for sale through a Singaporean auction house. But even before the online auction began, he received an offer from a private buyer for SG$20,000 (RM64,680). He turned the buyer down – a wise decision in hindsight.

The auction ended with the figure rising from SG$45,000 to SG$89,000 in the last 38 minutes, resulting in a sale of SG$115,700 (RM374,174). This is a world record in the Straits Chinese Peranakan Porcelain category, surpassing the previous record of SG$74,000 inclusive of the buyer’s premium.

Ammar’s Future Plans

Ammar, who is currently taking a gap year before starting college, shared that his love for antiques stems from an interest in heritage architecture. He was 13 when he started collecting small brassware and figurines, later selling some of them.

He later started The Gallerist Company as an online business and opened the physical outlet in January. The outlet has a selection of antique furniture, home décor items, and art.

Conclusion

In our current society, it is rare to come across an individual who is passionate about preserving the heritage of yesteryear. Ammar’s success in selling the antique wash basin is a testament to his dedication to his craft. Will he continue to break records in the future? Only time will tell.

FAQs

* Q: What is the current record for a Straits Chinese Peranakan porcelain sale?
A: The previous record was SG$74,000 inclusive of the buyer’s premium.

* Q: What is the current record for a Straits Chinese Peranakan porcelain sale, according to Ammar?
A: The new record is SG$115,700, beating the previous record by SG$41,700.

* Q: What is the name of Ammar’s company?
A: The Gallerist Company

* Q: Where is The Gallerist Company located?
A: 50A, Jalan Kedah, 10050 George Town, Penang

* Q: What are the business hours of The Gallerist Company?
A: 11am-5pm (closed on Mondays)

* Q: How can I contact The Gallerist Company?
A: 018-388 9853

* Q: Is The Gallerist Company on social media?
A: Yes, follow them on Instagram.