Kebaya in Vogue!

Kebayas have been worn since the early 1900's and it was accepted for its ability to enhance the womans figure, making every woman thin or fat SEXY! over the years , the kebaya has evolved, from the straight edge lace lining to a tapered "sulam" blouse.

Unfortunately, the modern day "Designers" who try to re design this creation have almost always failed. their creations destroy the purpose and the practicality for the garment.

Pair of Silver Gilt Gelang Tangan.

This Pair of silver bracelets are of reseonably good workmanship. . There are no chinese hallmarks visible but the quality of silver is quite good as the color and plyability of the metal is evidant of the quality of silver. I would say they are of chinese workmanship because of the repose and chase work that is detailed, neat and clear. The designs are floral, evident that they were made for either the malay market or the tribal market of Java. Never the less, this is a beautiful set of bracelets and would look very good when matched with modern day clothes . Please leave a comment if you are interested to purchace it.

Small kain Baldu, beads, and metal wire pouch.

This little pouch has a very unusual shape. I believe its used as a cover for something probably a magnifying glass?? Sarah with the pouch ...u can see the size here... biscuite size..hahahah ...

the two faces(front and back) is layered with cardboard and finished on the inside with a orange brocade lining and for the outside, Velvet. on one side, there is maroon , green, and yellow Velvet. on the other side green, maroon, yellow, and red .

on one of the faces, gold threads are used to create the patterns of creeping foliage and a peony in the center.

on the other face, gold threads and beads are used. The beads are lime green with one facet and are used to create an inner and outer border . The main design is a bouquet of flowers, (looks like a daisy). The border design is made up of interlocking leafs or buds. cant really be sure but i think they are buds because each of the ellipse shaped design is filled with different coloured threads.

Up For Adoption.....

Teak table with circular glass top, its a classic Art Deco piece. it is in very good condition with no major scratches and cracks or stains. Very good patina and age. It is very sturdy and makes a good table for afternoon tea or breakfast.

the table has 2 teirs, one the table top , and the other the shelve below. it really is a good design as it is really user friendly because of its ample of leg space and stream lines(easy to clean)

This table is made of burmise teak. You can tell the type of teak from the golden brown shade with outstanding veins.

Indonesian teak has fine veins and has a darker shade of brown when compared. Both the woods are easy to work with because of its medium hard and fine grain characteristics.

Personally i prefer the indonesian teak because of its rich color.

How are you concidered PERANAKAN?

The very word Peranakan means a child born as a result of mix marrages. There are many types of peranakans in South east asia, in Singapore , indonesia & Malaysia it self, we have quite a few types. The main types found here are the Chinese Peranakans, Indian Peranakans AKA Chitty, Jawi Peranakans, and the Eurasians.



The way i identify my self as peranakan is :-



1. my family background is peranakan, so im peranakan

2. i cook ayam buah keluak and other peranakan dishes with family recipes.

3. my grandmother owns very old sets of diamond and gold kerosangs.

4. there are pictures of my ancestors in baju kebaya and baju panjang.

5. grandmother knows the right way to wear the sarong.

6. i speak malay and teochiew and english

7. i make sambal the old way, pounding spices with the mortar and pestel .

8. i see kebayas hanging in my grand mothers cupboad

9. granny has kasut manik.

10. we have a long history that can be traced back??

11. we are asociated with prominant people in history??

12. i have a batik shirt that i wear on special ocassions.

13. my family goes to the straits chinese church,Prinsep Street .
14. my family has a special ointment for aches and pains. Its called 'Minyak Urat' and i have the recipe!i think i do at least.. have to dig it out ...oops..



Being Peranakan is special to me. I feel proud to be a peranakan because i feel its very special, 'ROJAK' (mixed up) vibrant and unique culture!

The Monkey God

I recently obtained a Taoist Diety of a Monkey GOD. He is commonly known as Sun Wu Kong in the chinese classic Journey To The West. From the Peranakan Museum Guide, he is also known as Qitian Dasheng, The Great Sage Equal To Heaven by chinese. The Peranakans call him Tai Seng Ya. Further reading can be found from the Peranakan Museum Guide.

Many collectors do not collect Dieties because it is regarded as 'Pantang' as they fear spirits inhabit the statue. Some collectors who are muslim or christians, it is purely because their eligion forbids them to have idols. For me, i collect them purely because of the good work of art. these pieces are of exceptional good workmanship because they are very important in the taoist belief and rituals.

After much observation, I have concluded that it is made entirely of moulded plaster. He stands up 26 cm high and holds a staff in one hand and his other hand bent backwords framing his starry GOLD eyes. His eyes are important as belivers say he can see through evil in every form as a result of failur from being destroyed by the Gods Of Heaven.

Unfortunately, his red hair that comes out just at his temples on both sides have mostly fallen out. Only a few stringy red pigmented strands remain.

His robe is in excelent condition, with beautiful details of a Dragon in the front and frills all around. He is heavily gilt from head to base. There seems to be a thin layer of brownish red lacquor protecting the gilding.

At the base, there seems to be a partial relief design of the Buddhist 'Wheel Of Law' its also gilded. In Sanskrit known as Dharma Chakra, this symbol represents the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Paths, the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. These teachings were preached by the Buddha in his first sermon after he achieved enlightenment in the 6th century bc. This sermon is known as “The Turning of the Wheel of Law.”

A Wheel Of The Law from a chinese tapestary.

The base has a wooden panel, probably ply wood. I belief that it was placed at the base to cover the plaster and to create a smooth and stable surface.

The designs on this statue is concidered quite detailed and despite its age, its in very good condition.

Over all i believe this statue is a remarkable work of art and im lucky to have obtained it. Unfortunately i didnt get the job in the conservation center, thus , he remains quite dirty and grimey. Please let me know if any one is willing to conserve him! hahaha.

Unusual wooden hairpin-

I have always been collecting peranakan hairpins. I have seen many pretty ones , usually in gold or silver. This particular one was found on one of my aqusition trips to West Malaysia.

This unusual piece is 9 cm long. Like all hairpins, it tapers from the crown to the point that is relatively flat and thin. It is relatively light compared to silver or gold pins. It has diamond shape facettes near the crown and 3 horizontal bands above the diamond shaped facettes. I believe that its made of iron wood, because of its black color. From close observation, it seems to be well used, the designs have been well rubbed and the overall hair pin is smooth and shiny.

I have no idea what these wooden hair pins were used for but they may be used by very poor Nyonyas? or for the dead? no idea.

The most interesting about this piece is that i have a twin that is made in silver. The Silver one was purchased from an antique shop in Singapore. They are almost identical! if any one knows what the wooden hair pin was used and by who, please leave a comment.