31/12/2024
施基长生店：三代传承的生命之道
施基长生店的故事开始于1960年代，在吉隆坡陈秀莲第六路家的后院。这段传承之旅的起点可以追溯到更早。创始人已故施霖基先生年轻时曾在茨厂街的锦文斋长生店工作，这家以传统手工棺木闻名的老字号为他的技艺与理念打下了坚实基础。然而，随着锦文斋因经营问题走向低谷，已故施霖基先生决定自立门户，于1960年代初创立了施基长生店。有趣的是，锦文斋的前老板后来加入了施基长生店，与已故施霖基先生再度携手。他们共同秉持对传统工艺的执着追求，将多年的经验融入新的事业中，为施基长生店注入了更深厚的文化底蕴和技术支持。这段独特的师徒重聚故事，也让施基长生店从一开始便散发出与众不同的人情味和合作精神。
创始人施霖基先生以一双巧手和一颗敬畏之心，专注于制作中式棺木，其中尤以“梅花棺”，胭脂梅木為主。坚持每一副梅花棺都用心雕刻花纹，并通过细腻的上色工艺，让每一件作品都独具生命力起初，成为逝者与家属之间深情的连接。凭借对梅花棺独特工艺的专注，施霖基逐渐赢得了当地社区的认可。他的作品不仅是一件殡葬用品，更是一种艺术的体现，凝聚了传统文化的精髓和对生命的敬意。这只是一个小作坊，但它承载着施霖基对生命的深切敬意，也成为那个时代吉隆坡殡葬行业中的独特存在。
到了1980年代，随着需求的增加，这份事业搬迁至吉隆坡旧飞机场路，店铺逐渐发展成了当地熟知的施基长生店。那时的“施基”招牌已经成为品质与信任的象征。店内不仅售卖中式棺木，还为每一位逝者提供用心的告别服务。
1980年代，这间店铺由第二代传人接手。照片中，简单而真实的门面记录了那个年代的日常。招牌依旧悬挂在店铺上方，店内棺木整齐摆放。这是第二代人守护家族事业的真实写照。他延续了施霖基先生的精神，并在新环境中稳步发展，将“施基”推向更广阔的舞台。
从创立至今, 施基长生店已进入第三代传承，三代人用自己的方式为这份事业注入了不同时代的生命力，将现代化理念融入传统工艺，不断创新与完善，也更加注重个性化设计，为客户提供贴心而有温度的服务。在他们的努力下，施基长生店不仅传承了家族的初心，也焕发出新的生命力。
六十余年的传承，“施基”二字不仅是一块招牌，更是一种家族精神的象征。从1960年代的后院作坊，到1980年代旧飞机场路的正式店铺，再到今天，这段家族事业的传奇已深深镌刻在吉隆坡的历史长河中。未来，施基长生店将继续承载这份信念，在岁月中焕发新的光彩，成为一段永恒的记忆。
See Kee Casket : A Legacy of Life Across Three Generations
The story of See Kee Casket began in the year 1960s, in the backyard of a house on Jalan Chan Sow Lin 6, Kuala Lumpur. However, this journey of legacy traces back even further. The late founder, Mr. See Kee, began his career as an apprentice at Kam Mun Chai, a well-known coffin shop on Petaling Street. Renowned for its traditional handcrafted coffins, Kam Mun Chai laid a solid foundation for Mr. See Kee’s skills and philosophy. When Kam Mun Chai faced operational difficulties and declined, Mr. See Kee decided to strike out on his own and established See Kee Casket in the early 1960s. Interestingly, the former owner of Kam Mun Chai later joined See Kee Casket, reuniting with Mr. See Kee. Together, they adhered to their shared passion for traditional craftsmanship, infusing their years of expertise into the new venture and enriching See Kee Casket with profound cultural heritage and technical excellence. This unique story of a mentor and apprentice reuniting added a distinct sense of camaraderie and collaboration to See Kee Casket from the very beginning.
Founder Mr. See Kee, with his skillful hands and deep reverence for life, dedicated himself to crafting traditional Chinese coffins, particularly the renowned "Mei Hua Coffin" made of Keledang. Each Mei Hua Coffin was meticulously carved with intricate patterns and finished with refined coloring techniques, imbuing every piece with a unique vitality. These coffins became more than funeral items, they were heartfelt connections between the deceased and their families.
Through his focus on the exceptional craftsmanship of Mei Hua Coffins, Mr. See Kee gradually earned the trust and recognition of the local community. His works were not merely funeral goods but also artistic expressions, embodying the essence of traditional culture and deep respect for life. Although the business started as a small workshop, Mr. See Kee profound reverence for life and became a unique presence in Kuala Lumpur’s funeral industry at the time.
By the 1980s, with growing demand, the business relocated to Jalan Dewan Bahasa (formerly known as Old Airport Road) in Kuala Lumpur. It evolved into the well-known See Kee Casket, with the "See Kee" signboard becoming a symbol of quality and trust. The shop not only sold traditional Chinese coffins but also offered heartfelt farewell services for the deceased.
In the 1980s, the shop was handed over to the second-generation successor. The storefront as in the photo, simple yet authentic, reflected the daily operations of that era. The “See Kee” signboard remained prominently displayed above the entrance, while rows of neatly arranged coffins witness to countless stories. The second-generation custodian upheld Mr. See Kee’s legacy and steadily expanded the family business in the new environment, elevating “See Kee” to greater stage.
From its founding to the present day, See Kee Casket & Funeral Services has entered its third generation of leadership. Each generation has brought its unique touch, infusing the service with the spirit of its time. The current generation has embraced modern concepts, blending them with traditional craftsmanship. With a focus on innovation, personalization, and thoughtful service, the shop now offers not only quality products but also a sense of warmth and care to its clients. Under their guidance, See Kee Casket & Funeral Services has not only preserved the family’s original values but also breathed new life into the service.
Over six decades of history, the name "See Kee" has become more than just a signboard, it is a symbol of a family’s enduring spirit. From the humble backyard workshop in the 1960s to the formal shop on to Jalan Dewan Bahasa (formerly known as Old Airport Road) in the 1980s, and now into its modern era, the legacy of this family business is deeply etched in the historical of Kuala Lumpur. As it looks to the future, See Kee Casket & Funeral Services will continue to uphold its values, shining brightly through the passage of time and becoming an eternal memory.
