CHINESE MUSEUM, Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia

This is a small colonial-era museum that used to be the courthouse for the Sarawakian Chinese, and now houses a small permanent exhibition of Kuching's many Chinese groups.

As we were the only ones there at the time, the Curator enjoyed chatting to us, and vice-versa, so we found out a little more on the history of the Chinese.

As you enter inside the building the first thing you see are the two large Chinese lions, with statues of a Chinese man, woman and children in traditional Chinese dress.

There were interesting musical instruments including a wailing er-hu and twanging pipa (if you know which one they are - photo 3) and more, quite unusual variety!
Then there are beautiful pieces of jade, and a display of ceramics including collections of bowls and plates of the Ming Dynasty.

An old rickshaw, a popular mode of transport around Kuching in the early 1900's, an old Chinese worship altar and many other interesting displays.
Around the walls there are photos and readings.
Even though it was small, it had lovely exhibits, well worth a visit.

It is located in the park that runs along the Riverside walk.