Portrait photograph of a Peranakan woman in a ‘samfoo’

The term ‘Peranakan’ refers to the descendants of Chinese migrants who had settled in the Malay Archipelago from the late 15th century and gradually adapted many elements of Malay culture. The dress for women or ‘nyonyas’, was adapted from the traditional Malay attire. Nevertheless, they still retained certain aspects of their Chinese heritage and often wore Chinese-style garments such as the ‘samfoo’ (mandarin-collar blouse and trousers). As a sign of their affluence, the Peranakan samfoo was usually made of fine textiles and adorned with intricate motifs.

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