This blue and white bowl with a scalloped rim has a circular central panel decorated with a Buddha’s Hand citron representing happiness and longevity, and a surrounding band comprising a geometric pattern interpersed with flowers and plants. This type of porcelain was generally used by the Peranakan community for ancestral worship and for daily use. The colour blue was regarded as a substitute for black, the colour of mourning.This artefact belonged to Mdm Lim Yeok Quan (1887-1958), wife of Mr Ong Peng Hock (1889-1968) who was the son of notable Peranakan businessman Ong Sam Leong (1857-1918). Mr and Mrs Ong Peng Hock lived at Christmas Island Villa, 47 Marine Parade Road, Singapore where this item was used for ritual purposes on the family altar and for family meals on sombre occasions.
