Title
Tray liner
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
Malay Peninsula
Dimension
Object size: L:48.2 x W:47.5
Accession No.
1997-04227
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This textile, probably a tray liner or ‘tutup cerana’ is embroidered using silver thread and features floral motifs in a diagonal lattice. The rich yellow colour of the fine silk base suggests that it may well have been used in the royal court, as the colour yellow was reserved for the use of the Sultan. Tray liners were used to cover for ceremonial or ritual gifts and were usually used in weddings or other celebrations. Some researchers suggest that Malay embroidery was originally inspired by Chinese needlework and was used to add lustre to clothings, hangings, bolster ends, and mats. Common motifs of Malay stitch work include foliage, birds, and vases of flowers.
