Title
Steamer
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th centuries
Region
Straits Settlements and Indonesia
Dimension
Gross measurement: H:21.0 x W:19.0 (w/o handles) x D:17.5cm
Accession No.
2011-01529
Collection of
This steamer is decorated with motifs of a phoenix amongst peony flowers. The phoenix is an auspicious symbol in the Chinese culture representing beauty, grace, high virtue, the bride and the Empress. Likewise, peonies are auspicious symbols that symbolise spring, love, beauty and good fortune. Steamers are typically cylindrical in shape with footring which are perforated at intervals to allow steam to escape.Steamers, such as this one, are rarely found amongst Nyonya ware as the Peranakans do not practice the habit of steaming their food with medicinal herbs often.
