This is part of a set of miniature ceramic vessels, comprising a lidded teapot, a lidded decoction pot, a stove, a dish and three teacups, which were found in an exhumed grave in Bukit Brown Cemetery. All feature a coat of reddish pigments that was probably sprayed or blown onto the surface of the porcelain. The teapot is further hand-painted with simple floral motifs. The grave belonged to Mr Wee Joo Hock (黄如復) who passed away on 5 June 1941, at the age of 28. The practice of burying everyday objects with the deceased originated in ancient China and continued to be observed by overseas Chinese communities. These objects were intended to satisfy the needs of the deceased and/or provide them with a comfortable afterlife. Located in the central part of Singapore, Bukit Brown Cemetery was officially opened on 1 January 1922 by the British colonial government as a public cemetery for non-Christian Chinese. It came to house an estimated 100,000 graves before it was officially closed to burials in 1973.
