Before the mid-20th century, pillow and bolster ends were used as decorative elements on the Peranakan wedding bed. Pillow ends are usually rectangular while bolster ends are octagonal or circular. Both types can be found in gold, gilt-silver embroidery or batik. Many of the more elaborately decorated pieces bear auspicious Chinese motifs and symbols of fertility, which was the general wish for the newly married couple and the family.
