x H: 2 cm
This saucer has sloping sides, a shallow centre and a gilt-edged rim. It is decorated on a white ground with shades of green, red, brown and black. The central medallion shows a pair of fruit, probably peach or pomegranate, both symbols of fertility. While the cavetto is adorned with three roundels containing the double happiness characters 'shuang xi' varying with peony sprays. Saucer dishes like this piece was used to contain sauces and spicy condimentsNonyaware plates were made in a variety of sizes – large platters, dinner plates, dessert dishes, plates, salad plates, and saucers. Most were purchased as part of dinner services, used for special occasions like the ‘tok panjang’ wedding feast. Wealthy families, who wanted special and unique pieces often commissioned items of rare designs or coloured grounds. Tok panjang refers to the long rectangular table often found in Peranakan Chinese homes.The term ‘makan tok panjang’ literally means to eat at a long table, to suggest dining at home during celebratory occasions.This piece is part of a set from Penang that was specially commissioned for a wedding.
