Title
Altar tablecloth
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
China
Material
Technique
Dimension
Gross measurement: H: 98.0,
x W: 102.5cm ( w/o strap )
x W: 102.5cm ( w/o strap )
Accession No.
2006-01673
Collection of
Credit Line
Donated by the family of the late Gan Hock Hye, grandson of Gan Eng Seng
Altar cloth, known as tok wi in Baba Malay, was attached to the front of altar tables. The embroidered design features peonies, which in Chinese symbolism represent spring and nobility. The gay colours suggest that this altar cloth was used during special occasions such as feast days. Wealthy Peranakan families purchase altar cloths of different background colours for specific use during funerals and weddings.
