Title
Belt purse
Year/Period
1930
Region
Malacca, Malayisa
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 13.5 x 10.5 x 0.7 cm
Accession No.
2021-00599
Collection of
The velvet surface of this belt purse is embroidered with sequins and delicate gold plaques of auspicious symbols like qilins, butterflies, and peonies. Belt purses were worn by both bride and groom during a Chinese Peranakan wedding. Traditionally, the groom’s purse would be embroidered by his betrothed and presented during the Lap Chye ceremony (gift exchange), which marked the confirmation of the engagement. But some were purchased or commissioned instead. Although the function of belt purses was ceremonial, the practice was to place a token amount of money inside for good luck.
