This pair of dishes is an example of Nonyaware, which are overglazed polychrome enamelled porcelains possibly, imported from the kilns of Jindezhen in China for Straits Chinese customers. It has a gilt edged rim and is decorated with several motifs. These include birds and insects and flowering and fruiting sprigs.The collective Baba Malay term for dining ware is 'pinggan mangkok', which literally means 'plates and bowls'. The dinner service can also include cups, saucers, spoons and spoon rests. Wealthy Peranakan families often commissioned the highest quality porcelain wares for special occasions that would bear their surnames. They would have elaborate decorations of bird and flower motifs, and colourful enamelled backgrounds of green, yellow and rose pink.
