A pair of ancestral portraits of the Tan family

These ancestral portraits depict the great, great grandparents of the donor, Tan Jim Ko. The forebears are shown full-length in a rigid pose, seated in a round-backed chair, wearing layers of traditional Chinese clothing encoded with symbols – the rank badges with a white crane, for instance, and the long court necklaces – that signify rank and social standing. In ancestor portraits, usually painted after death, it is important to capture an accurate likeness so descendants can relate to the otherwise highly symbolic depictions. Here, the stoic, otherworldly faces seem realistically portrayed, painted with contour shading and fine details. Ancestral portraits serve as a focus for private family rituals and are hung in lineage halls of homes. On special occasions such as the end of the new year and death anniversaries of ancestors, the living perform rituals to commemorate and venerate the spirits of the deceased. On a table in front of the portraits, candles will be lit, with food and floral offerings placed there.

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