Ornament

Title
Ornament
Year/Period
c.1920
Region
Penang
Dimension
Object size: 9.5 x 11 cm
Accession No.
2005-01411

This circular cut work ornament is stiffened with layers of cardboard and cotton wad. Colourful floral motifs adorn this piece and the main features are outlined using gold metallic thread couching. This is a technique where the metallic thread is caught down using another piece of thread passed through the material underneath. These ornaments were usually hung on the wall or attached to ceremonial furniture in the bridal chamber. Cut work ornaments of this type are peculiar to Straits Chinese embroidery from Penang.