This altar cloth comprises an upper panel depicting the three Star Deities of good fortune, prosperity and longetivity known as Hock, Lock and Siew, on a purple background. The main motif on the main panel consists of an embroidered dragon, with four smaller ones surrounding it. As part of a pair, this altar cloth was probably used on the Sam Kai altar during wedding and Chinese New Year celebrations. Altar cloths, or tok wi, are cloths draped vertically over the front of altar tables, which were laden with food dishes and other offerings. 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.
