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Chan See Shu Yuen Association

The Federation of Chen (Tan) Clan Associations of Malaysia, or Chan See Shu Yuen Association, was established in 1896. Representing families with the Chan, Chen, Chin, Tan and other variants of the family name, this Association has about 1,300 members.

The building, constructed in 1906, is a fine example of Chinese temple architecture, with open courtyards, symmetrical pavilions and decorated roofs. The building has some of the richest examples of shek wan in Malaysia. Shek wan is a pottery style of roof and exterior wall decoration originating from southern China. Groups of colourful terracotta figures depict subjects from mythology and history.

The gable walls at the end of the main hall roof and ends of the side halls, symbolize the division between the spiritual and the temporal worlds. They are built in the style known as the waves pattern.

At the front of the main hall at left and right are shrines to the male and female guardians of the door. At the rear of the main hall is a shrine to the three founders of the clan. Ornately carved gilded wood panels frame the ancestral shrines. On the altar table are large blue ceramic vases and two figurines representing servants of the ancestors.