Title
Finger bowl
Year/Period
Mid-late 19th century
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Object size: H: 8.,
3 Dia: 11.8 (in cm)
3 Dia: 11.8 (in cm)
Accession No.
2011-02477
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Agnes Tan Kim Lwi in memory of Tun Tan Cheng Lock.
Peranakans traditionally ate with their fingers, and many still do. As a bowl of water was required at the dinner table, finger bowls no doubt, were an essential item. They also probably were part of larger dining sets, long dispersed with family heirlooms and the decline of traditional dining habits. The bowls were made in various sizes and forms with motifs of phoenix, peony flowers and lotus petals. Colour schemes included contrasting hues in pastel with more vibrant tones.
