First World War Postcard of Inside of a Temple

1900 - 1919
Overview

A black and white postcard depicting the inside of a temple. There are several pots and vases sitting on altars with at least seven striped snakes in the area. Some snakes sit directly on the alter, while others are draped over branches that are placed in the vases or cover other items sat on the alter. There are incense burners in the picture and many of the items and decorative panels on the wall have religious symbols. The postcard is in poor condition with a large stain that shows front and back.

Historical information

This image is believed to depict the snake temple of Penang (also known as the Chor Soo Kong Temple or Ban Ka Lan). Built in 1850, it is dedicated to the Chinese Taoist healer and deity Chor Soo Kong.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-12-2022.1.177
Item type
Postcards
Material
Card
Width
139 mm
Height or length
90 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On the reverse “POST CARD / CARTE POSTALE / STAMP / LKTD / HERE / Communication-Correspondance Address-Adresse”.

Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Well provenanced
Google Maps search term / URL
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWHZtRH1mm24SAjK8
Last modified
Thursday, 3 September, 2026
Completeness
94
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Postcard Front
Inside of a SnakeTemple
Rear View of Postcard
Reverse of Postcard

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