Title
Kamcheng
Year/Period
Early Republican period (1911-1930)
Region
China
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 002: H11.0 x W26.0 cm
Accession No.
1999-00673
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Tony Wee and Colin Holland
The origin of the word ‘kamcheng’ is uncertain. It is said to be a Hokkien word that refers to this type of covered vessel. In Baba Malay, the term kamcheng refers to this form of covered vessel. The kamcheng has many and varied uses and depends upon the family who uses it. In general, it was used for storing drinking water, soups, desserts and pickles for special occasions. Kamchengs come in a large array of sizes and colours. The smallest examples were used as cosmetic containers while the largest were sometimes used as decorative status symbols for wealthy families.
