Title
Deer Ornament
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Singapore
Material
Dimension
Object size: 2.1 x 2.2 x 0.3 cm
Accession No.
2016-00832
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Winson Tan in memory of the late Edward Tan TL
This ornament is a depiction of a spotted deer, with rose cut diamonds (intan in Baba Malay) decorating the body of the animal to signify spots. Deer are often believed to live to a very great age and are at times depicted with a pine tree, which collectively represented longevity. This ornament is part of a group donation from descendants of Tan Kim Seng and Tan Jiak Kim. Both were wealthy merchants, philanthropists and leaders of the local Hokkien community.
