Title
Tile
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Staffordshire , England
Dimension
Object size: L15.3 x B15.3 cm
Accession No.
C-0724-B
Collection of
This wall tile with pastel coloured floral motifs was probably used on the front porch or balcony of a Peranakan house. Such tiles were also used to decorate the interior of the house, such as the stairwell and inner courtyard, where they protected walls from the effects of heavy downpours. Mass produced Belgian and English tiles with exotic pastel-coloured European floral motifs in the innovative Art Nouveau-style (1890-1914) were particularly favoured by wealthy clients in the Straits Settlements. The ornate tiled facades of Peranakan houses created a riot of colour along rows of houses, which collectively signalled the wealth and distinctiveness of a Peranakan neighbourhood.
