This pair of carved windows is an example of Peranakan furniture, possibly made from teak or namwood. Each window is divided into eight distinct rectangular sections, each decorated with fretwork comprising of motifs of flowers and leaves. These are further gilded, which is a process in which the motifs are covered with gold leaf which enhances the effect of the piece. Such “Brown and Gold” wooden windows could have been made locally in the Straits Settlements. Teak was commonly used as it was the only wood in ready abundance in the Southeast Asian region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Having the furniture made locally by Chinese cabinet makers also reduced labour costs and delivery time for the Straits Chinese consumer.
