Title
Beaded panel
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Singapore or Malacca
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 11.5 x 37.6 cm
Accession No.
2018-01304
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 beaded panel is decorated with multi-coloured floral and bird motifs. The purpose of this set of four beaded panels is unclear. Beadwork and embroidery is found in decorations for everyday Peranakan household items, as well as more ornamental pieces for special occasions such as weddings. Befitting such joyous occasions, beaded items were typically decorated with auspicious images of flowers, animals and precious objects drawn from Chinese art and symbols. 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.
