A pair of curtains

Title
A pair of curtains
Year/Period
Early-mid 20th century
Region
Malacca, Straits Settlements
Dimension
Gross measurement: Please refer to parts
Accession No.
2011-01746
Collection of

This pair of curtain is decorated 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. It also features the qilin motif, auspicious symbol for fertility and good fortune. Peranakan wedding beds would be decorated with matching sets of embroidered textiles, such as this pair of curtain. On the bed textiles were blessings for the wedding couple, which conveyed the wish for many sons.