Title
Pair of bolster ends
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Singapore
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: Please refer to parts
Accession No.
2018-01288
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Cynthia, Larry, Celia, Carol and Lawrence Chia, in memory of their parents Chia Teck Loke and Ong Siew Choo.
This is a pair of octagonal-shaped bolster ends, or buntal pelok. The silver-gilt plates are decorated with floral and plant motifs which are enclosed by a concentric border, and the central motif comprises of a fish, an auspicious symbol in Chinese and Peranakan culture. Bolster ends are traditionally attached to a bolster intended for a Peranakan bridal bed, a custom probably adopted from local Malay traditions. This object belonged to Wee Bee Neo, a prominent Sang Khek Umm or mistress of wedding ceremonies. As a wedding specialist, she was in charge of the bride’s hair and jewellery, and guiding the young lady through the proper rituals.
