Title
Straits Chinese ‘kamcheng’ and cover
Year/Period
Late 19th century
Region
Singapore
Accession No.
1999-01452
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Chang Du Li
Ranging from 4 to 39 cm in diameter, a ‘kamcheng’ (Hokkien for covered jar) is a type of covered container used for storing and serving food. The medium and large ‘kamcheng’ were used to store water, rice, soups and other foods while the cheaper blue-and-white ‘kamcheng’ were usually used for more utilitarian purposes such as storing salt or oil. Better enamelled pieces were used during weddings to serve sweetmeats to the bride and groom. This particular ‘kamcheng’ features insect, bird and floral motifs with a Buddhist lion on the cover.
