Blue beaded panel

Title
Blue beaded panel
Year/Period
Early or mid-20th century
Region
Straits Settlements
Dimension
Object size: 54.5 x 33 cm
Accession No.
2014-00956
Collection of

This is a blue beaded rectangular panel decorated with floral designs. This inner rectangle depicts two large pink peonies facing each other flanked by phoenixes. The technique employed to create a panel like this is known as netted beadwork. Netted technique is particularly popular with beadwork from Penang and Sumatra. Based on its size and shape, it was possibly used as a mirror cover for dresser mirrors in the wedding chamber.