THE TOUR / The Ridge Decoration of Leong San Tong
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Leaning from the main ridge are other descending ridges with curl endings. The basket-like barge-boards known as the pai tou are found on these descending ridges. There are elaborate jian nian work which are decorated with plant and pavilion motifs. They are also known as the ting jing (the pavilion scene). They are packed with vividly cut and pasted stage scenes and ceramic figurines of various gestures.
The pai tou of Leong San Tong are grand and spectacular. Under the sun, the pieces of mirror and colourful porcelain shards shine dazzlingly. What is more, the ceramic figurines in the pavilion scene have exquisite gestures and facial expressions and they look like they are in a real stage performance. As the roof of the Prayer Pavilion is smaller than that of the main hall, the four pai tou on it are also smaller. There is a couple of strong guys made of stucco showing that they are supporting the pai tou on the central roof. Under the swallow tails (the ridge endings) of the main hall as well as the Prayer Pavilion, there are sculptures featuring the story of "Liu Hai frolicking with a toad." which symbolises the portrayal of wealth. Both ends of the main ridge feature two interesting local figures. One of them is a Chinese with a broad-rimmed soft-felt hat; the other is a turbaned watchman waving his hand and looking at something. The triangular roof gables on both sides of the Prayer Pavilion are also ornamented with colourful legendary and historical figures. The roof gable on the right has a few decorations of Jiao Zhi pottery which are rarely seen in Malaysia. |
 The huge, colourful jian nian pai tou on the top of the roof above the main hall is a symbol of the extraordinary status of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi  The ceramic figurines in the pavilion scene have exquisite gestures and facial expressions and they look like they are in a real stage performance |
 The pai tou of the pavilion scenes on the Prayer Pavilion |
 The pediment and the swallow-tailed ridge of the Prayer Pavilion. At the top of the pediment is found an interesting sculpture depicting the story of "Liu Hai frolicking with a toad", while inside the pediment are found figurines in a stage performance |
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The Gable Wall and the Decoration at the Basement The gable ornaments are mainly found on the gable ends of the main hall. The gable friezes are usually decorated with bass-reliefs. The bass-reliefs of the left gable friezes are made of stucco, while those on the right, which are more easily visible, are ornamented with the cut-and-paste porcelain shardwork. The frieze at the basement of the main hall features a strip decoration which consists of stuccoed and ceramic works depicting legendary stories. Images of local towkays are also represented. | |
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