Title
Curtain ties
Year/Period
Late 19th or early 20th century
Region
Penang
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
curtain tie: 52.0 x 31.0 cm,
Object size: Pleasae refer to parts
Object size: Pleasae refer to parts
Accession No.
2020-00521
Collection of
This pair of elaborately embroidered and beaded ties was used to secure the curtains that hung over the entrance to the traditional Peranakan wedding bed. They bear flower and bird motifs which convey wishes for fertility and marital happiness, like many of the decorations in the wedding chamber. A pattern of interlocking coins in the top panels represents wealth and provides protection from evil. This is couched (stitched down) with gold thread. The motif resembles the batik pattern known as kawung, which symbolises the hope to be useful to one’s community. Especially lavish examples of curtain ties like these are associated with Penang.
