Title
Tortoise Ornament
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Singapore
Material
Dimension
Object size: 1.3 x 1.6 x 0.3 cm
Accession No.
2016-00848
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Winson Tan in memory of the late Edward Tan TL
This is a gold tortoise ornament made of filigree work. The tortoise is a revered ancient animal in Chinese tradition and is depicted in art to represent longevity. It is likely that this ornament was originally sewn onto a textile such as a ceremonial handkerchief or a wedding headband.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.
