Title
Bangle
Year/Period
Late 19th century
Region
Singapore, Malacca
Material
Dimension
Object size: H1.3 x Dia6.5cm
Accession No.
2007-50966
Collection of
This silver bangle is a rare piece of jewellery featuring the Eight Immortals motifs in appliqué work. The Immortals' motif refers to legendary beings revered by followers of Daoism. Such pieces were made for the Peranakan Chinese in Singapore and Malacca by Chinese craftsmen for their weddings. They were usually gilded for wedding use. Peranakan Chinese women used silver jewellery as part of their dressing. They were treasured heirlooms and art pieces in the hands of old Peranakan families, and collectors of Peranakan artefacts. The motifs on this piece also attest to the changing and varied tastes of the Peranakan Chinese. Bangles such as this piece are becoming increasingly rare to find today.
