Mr Peter Soon is a housing developer who collects antiques. Peranakan blood flowed on his maternal side. He kept these antiques at his residence until he acquired the Green Mansion in 2001 from the last of Kapitan Chung's descendant. It is at this mansion that he exhibited his collection.
In recent years, he became interested in Peranakan Jewelry. His collection culminated in the Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum. About two months ago, he started a new counter at the museum to sell at a reasonable price, pieces of Peranakan Jewelry to visitors. He wanted to make his collection available to the remnants of the Peranakan community. Sale was brisk. While we were there, two groups of Singaporeans appeared out of nowhere just to pick up more pieces.
During the colonial days, the affluent Peranakan community was well educated and prosperous. A bit of an exhibitionist, they acquired gold and diamonds to demonstrate their elevated status. When the Japanese came, the British fled. The Peranakans were left high and dry. They bore the brunt of Japanese attacks and were soon rendered destitute. That was when they started selling their jewelry pieces.
I am reminded of something an old friend told me. She came from a well-heeled family. About forty years ago, a nyonya used to collect jewelry pieces from the Peranakan community in a bundle and take them from house to house for resale to anyone who would have them.
During the colonial days, the affluent Peranakan community was well educated and prosperous. A bit of an exhibitionist, they acquired gold and diamonds to demonstrate their elevated status. When the Japanese came, the British fled. The Peranakans were left high and dry. They bore the brunt of Japanese attacks and were soon rendered destitute. That was when they started selling their jewelry pieces.
I am reminded of something an old friend told me. She came from a well-heeled family. About forty years ago, a nyonya used to collect jewelry pieces from the Peranakan community in a bundle and take them from house to house for resale to anyone who would have them.
Fire proof safes. |  |
Chinese and Singhalese goldsmiths were usually summoned to the Peranakan's house where tools of the trade were available.
The nyonya or her maid watched the goldsmith work to ensure that her jewels are not deviously replaced.
|  |
 |
| Jewelry Box |
 |  |
Hair pins. (See picture above) My favorite aunt told me a story I'll never forget about these pins. In days of old, copulation ties occasionally happened and when it did, the hair pin is used to stab the bottom end of the spinal cord to awaken the man.
Here's another story I heard recently. Can't vouch for it so take it with a pinch of salt. After two Peranakan families decided on a suitable match, the boy spends the night in the girl's house. On the following day, the girl hopped over to the boy's house. If all is well, the boy now spends three nights in the girl's house and vice-versa. At this point, the rules of propriety are no longer observed. On the following morning, nasi lemak is served if the match is made. A Nyonya glutinous kueh served with grated coconut meant that the match had been broken.
What followed the nasi lemak is a 12 day wedding celebration. The bridal chamber is in the bride's house and the groom is required to stay for 12 days following the wedding ceremony, at the end of which, the married couple returns to the groom's house. Baba weddings are usually matrilocal.
(More Pictures Below) - Pillow plates/belts/purses/anklets/etc. Silver jewelry are used during the mourning period.
Oh, and the answer is yes! So, what's the question?
No comments:
Post a Comment