This cylindrical joss sticker holder is decorated with a four-clawed dragon surrounded by lingzhi clouds. The top and bottom rims of the external joss stick holder are decorated with a keyfret design. Joss stick holders are an essential item for the ancestral and deity altars in a Peranakan home. It is normally placed to the side of an altar, holding unburnt joss sticks before they were lighted and placed on the altar as an offering. The design bears similarities as well as differences to Nyonyaware (export Chinese porcelain for a Peranakan market) style. The object belonged to Wee Bee Neo, a prominent Peranakan Chinese wedding Sang Khek Umm (mistress of wedding ceremonies). 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.
