Straits Chinese ‘kamcheng’ and cover

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 floral and foliage motifs.