Title
Collar
Year/Period
Late 19th century
Region
Malacca, Straits Settlements
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 33.6 x 35.5 x 0.7 cm
Accession No.
2021-00763
Collection of
Elaborately embroidered collars like this were worn by bridesmaids (penyapit) and page boys (koo yah) as part of their costume for traditional Chinese Peranakan weddings. Children were also dressed in these costumes for Chinese New Year celebrations. Auspicious symbols are depicted on the scalloped panels using metallic beads (manek pirigu). For example, pomegranates represent fecundity, sweet-smelling Buddha hand citruses convey happiness and longevity, and peonies symbolise honour and wealth. Metal beads were typically used in small quantities because they cost more than glass beads.
