Title
Beaded mirror cover
Year/Period
1900s
Region
Sumatra
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 48.0 x 32.0 x 1.8 cm
Accession No.
2023-00445
Collection of
Intricate beadwork and lacework often feature in Peranakan accessories. This mirror cover contains beaded motif of three tiers of flowers sprouting from a pot, flanked by auspicious symbols such as phoenixes, fans, pineapples, and the mythical creature qilin. The corners are decorated with dangle ornaments.This panel may have been used to cover a mirror during special occasions such as a wedding. It is a practice believed by the Peranakans and Chinese to ward off bad energies. Gold bobbin lace trims can be seen around its border. This is part of a wider tradition of lacemaking in places in Sumatra such as Bencoolen, Silungkang, and Payakumbuh.
