Title
Pair of groom’s shoes
Year/Period
late 19th to early 20th century
Region
Malaysia or Singapore
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Gross measurement: Pleasae refer to parts
Accession No.
2018-01355
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 light blue pair of groom’s shoes has gold floral patterns embroidered to the sides, with a black symbol for longevity sewn in gold thread on the front of the shoes. It would have been worn by the groom during the traditional twelve day Peranakan wedding, along with his robes. 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. Sang Khek Umm sometimes loaned out wedding items for a fee, although it is unclear if this object was ever rented.
