After many years in the antiques trade, both Yong Chiang and Seng Ngee have developed a keen eye and discerning taste for quality antiques. One of Yong Chiang’s favourites, for instance, is a beautifully painted porcelain vase dating from China’s Republican Era (1912 to 1949). It depicts a popular Chinese folk tale known as the Legend of the White Snake (白蛇传, Bái Shé Zhùan), and is estimated to be worth $20,000-$30,000. For the Gohs, however, these antiques have value not just because of their monetary worth or beauty, but also because they are representations of significant periods or events in the past. The appreciation of an antique’s provenance can therefore impart meaningful lessons about various aspects of history, or reveal the ethical and philosophical teachings of the antique’s creators. 

This perspective has made the Gohs more forgiving towards the common signs of age one might find on antiques, such as yellow spots on parchment scrolls, or patina on bronze statues. Like the rings of a tree trunk, these signs of age are an integral part of each antique’s storied and unique history. They help the Gohs in their process of accurately dating their antiques, and reveal to us the historical significance and rarity of these artefacts.

Chan Ngee Trading Co did not begin as a purveyor of antiques. In their early days, they sourced for and sold a variety of wares from China’s state-owned enterprises, including everyday products. Only a small portion of their wares were antiques, which was a result of the ongoing Chinese Cultural Revolution at the time – Chinese authorities would confiscate these antiques from their citizens, and then sell them to overseas buyers to raise funds. However, the 1970s saw China opening their economy to the world, which made it easier for Chan Ngee Trading Co’s customers to buy their products directly from Chinese suppliers at lower prices. Due to the increased competition for these products, Chan Ngee Trading Co adjusted their business strategy to focus solely on the trade of antiques. 

In a twist of fate, a significant portion of Chan Ngee Trading Co’s customers today come from China, the very country that these antiques originated from. Bolstered by the rapid growth of the Chinese economy, many of their newly-wealthy citizens have begun collecting Chinese antiques as a way of reconnecting with their past – the parts of their heritage and culture that were lost due to the Cultural Revolution.

Not content to rest on their laurels, the Gohs engage in various activities outside of Chan Ngee Trading Co as well. After the success of his early forays selling antiques via the Internet during the 1990s, Seng Ngee started Atasbid, an online antique auction service. Their digitalisation of the antiques industry has been recognised by various government agencies as a role model to be emulated by others. Seng Ngee also plans to further his engagement with Chinese artisans as a way to foster deeper cultural exchange. Meanwhile, Yong Chiang partners regularly with various groups, such as the Teochew Association, to organise exhibitions featuring the work of both local and Chinese artists. These exhibitions serve to increase their visibility and promote arts and culture. Both Seng Ngee and Yong Chiang are also active in grassroots and community work as well. For both father and son, it is clear that the foundation of their various endeavours is their shared passion preserving and celebrating the shared heritage of our community.