Title
Belt with buckle
Year/Period
Late 19th century
Region
Singapore and British Malaya
Object Type
Material
Dimension
Gross measurement: H 3.5 x W 93.5 x D 1.0 cm
Accession No.
2010-01298
Collection of
Credit Line
Annoymous gift
In comparison to Malay and Chinese buckles, which were often worn on cloth belts, Straits Chinese (Peranakan) buckles were often worn with metal belts. The belt is made of multiple silver panels, which were less labour intensive to make compared to link belts. A simple floral design is consistent throughout the belt. The gold plated repousse buckle displays the intricately carved motif of a phoenix among foliage. The phoenix is a highly auspicious symbol in Peranakan culture. It is symbolic of the Empress, benevolence, beauty, grace and high virtue.
