Straits Chinese ‘kamcheng’ pot

Title
Straits Chinese ‘kamcheng’ pot
Year/Period
Late 19th century
Region
Singapore
Dimension
Object size: 14x10cm
Accession No.
1999-01452-001
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. This particular ‘kamcheng’ features insect, bird and floral motifs.