Title
Baluster vase
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th centuries
Region
Straits Settlements and Indonesia
Dimension
Gross measurement: H: 19.7,
x W: 8.4,
x D: 7.0cm
x W: 8.4,
x D: 7.0cm
Accession No.
2011-01539
Collection of
This baluster vase is is decorated with motifs of a phoenix and pink peonies. 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.Peranakan families usually purchased or commissioned miniature baluster vases in pairs for auspicious reasons. They were used as decorative objects on the dressing table of the wedding chamber to hold fresh cut flowers.
