East-West Question丨Liu Xiaobin- Behind a set of mahogany mother-of-pearl furniture, the story of the overseas Chinese’s anti-Japanese past

On October 21, 2023, in Fuzhou, the China News Service published an interview highlighting the significant historical context behind a set of redwood mother-of-pearl furniture linked to the efforts of overseas Chinese during the anti-Japanese resistance. This exclusive interview features Liu Xiaobin, the former director of the Overseas Chinese Museum, who shared insights into this remarkable artifact and its historical relevance.

The Overseas Chinese Museum, established under the leadership of the distinguished patriotic Chinese leader Chen Jiageng in Xiamen, stands out as China’s first museum funded by overseas Chinese contributions. Among its exhibits is a striking set of redwood furniture with mother-of-pearl inlay, consisting of two armchairs and four other pieces, known for its elegance.

In 1999, the furniture set was donated to the museum by the Singapore Yi He Xuan Club, with Liu Xiaobin overseeing the handover process. Liu recently engaged in an in-depth interview to recount the story behind this beautiful furniture and its ties to the anti-Japanese resistance efforts led by overseas Chinese.

**China News Service:** How is this redwood mother-of-pearl furniture connected to Mr. Chen Jiageng?

**Liu Xiaobin:** Established in 1895, the Yi He Xuan Club was famously known as the “Millionaire’s Club,” which unfortunately also became a den for gambling and other vices. After Chen Jiageng became the club’s president in 1923, he implemented strict reforms—prohibiting opium smoking and gambling, as well as breaking the long-standing tradition that limited membership to wealthy local Chinese. He opened up the club to notable figures from various Chinese communities, encouraging their leadership and participation. This shift led to the convergence of various overseas Chinese leaders at Yi He Xuan, making it a hub for political and social activity.

During the critical years from the “Jinan Incident” in 1928 to Japan’s occupation of Singapore in 1942, Chen used Yi He Xuan as a base to organize numerous fundraising and support initiatives for China, including the Shandong Relief Fund and the Malaya-Singapore Overseas Chinese Relief Committee. This period saw Yi He Xuan transforming into a vital locus for overseas Chinese political mobilization.

**China News Service:** What makes this furniture a significant artifact with historical importance?

**Liu Xiaobin:** This four-piece redwood mother-of-pearl furniture set served during a pivotal time when Chen Jiageng led millions of overseas Chinese in their resistance efforts against the Japanese invasion. It embodies the poignant and heroic narratives of the overseas Chinese community. Following the Jinan Incident in 1928, Yi He Xuan gathered support for refugees, and after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, a coalition of 118 Chinese associations in Singapore formed the “New Relief Committee,” chaired by Chen Jiageng.

In 1938, during a gathering of 168 representatives from across Southeast Asia, the “Nanyang Overseas Chinese Relief Association” was established, again under Chen’s leadership. The group raised substantial funds to support the war effort. As Chen described, the outpouring of generosity was overwhelming. Wealthy merchants alongside humble vendors contributed selflessly, reflecting an unparalleled spirit of solidarity. For instance, even after closing his businesses, Chen personally donated 2,000 yuan a month until the end of the war.

The contributions extended beyond finances; in terms of material support, by October 1940, overseas Chinese had donated 217 airplanes, 27 tanks, and numerous other supplies to aid the resistance. Moreover, over 3,200 overseas Chinese mechanics returned to China to assist in the war effort between 1939 and 1942.

**China News Service:** Why did the Yi He Xuan Club choose to donate this valuable furniture set to the Overseas Chinese Museum, and what efforts were made by overseas Chinese to facilitate this?

**Liu Xiaobin:** The decision to donate this exquisite furniture to the museum might seem coincidental, but it was rooted in a deeper connection. The Overseas Chinese Museum, which Chen Jiageng himself funded and established in his later years, serves as a testament to his vision for preserving and reflecting the overseas Chinese experience.

At that time, Sun Bingyan, the honorary president of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Yi He Xuan Club, was one of the 32 donors involved in founding the museum. His strong commitment to preserving Chen’s legacy and honoring the museum’s mission led to the decision in 1999 to donate the furniture used during Chen’s presidency.

Sun expressed his deep respect for Chen Jiageng when he stated, “This action merely reflects my immense admiration for the great Chen Jiageng and my commitment to supporting our own museum.”

**China News Service:** Can you share any unforgettable experiences from the handover of the redwood mother-of-pearl furniture?

**Liu Xiaobin:** One unforgettable experience centers around Mr. Sun Bingyan himself. At the age of ninety, he worked alongside us for ten days during the furniture donation and documentation process. Sun had been greatly influenced by Chen Jiageng from a young age, having studied at the school founded by Chen. Throughout his life, he actively supported Chen’s initiatives, including joining the Nanyang Overseas Chinese Relief Association.

His respect for Chen is palpable whenever he speaks of him. Sun would often visit Yi He Xuan to report to Chen on his work, receiving immense support and mentorship. Despite his wealth, Chen Jiageng maintained a humble lifestyle, eschewing smoking and drinking, and leading a disciplined life dedicated to public service.

**China News Service:** How does the Overseas Chinese Museum plan to honor and carry forward the spirit encapsulated by the redwood mother-of-pearl furniture?

**Liu Xiaobin:** Chen Jiageng is the founding figure of the Overseas Chinese Museum, and the essence of his spirit is an invaluable legacy for the institution. The overseas Chinese community plays a pivotal role in promoting Chinese culture and contributing to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The museum serves not only as an important link for overseas Chinese but also as a spiritual home, focusing on preserving and promoting the essence of Chen’s spirit and the overarching legacy of the overseas Chinese community.

We are committed to public accessibility, having implemented free admission since 2007. We continually explore the value of our collections, offering various thematic exhibitions that highlight Chinese overseas culture and revolutionary heritage. Moreover, we strive to create a platform that integrates educational and cultural tourism initiatives through a combination of offline and online resources, enhanced by technology and volunteer involvement, achieving notable results in our outreach efforts.