The Peranakan Chinese are the descendants of southern Chinese traders, who settled in Southeast Asia and married local women. Their culture is rooted in Chinese traditions, but with strong influences from Indian, Chinese, Malay and European cultures. With 122 objects from the 1912-founded Peranakan Museum in Singapore, supplemented by loans from collectors, an exhibition in the Capital shows how these Chinese immigrants created a unique culture of their own. It was inaugurated last week by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam. “The exhibition promotes a better understanding of Singapore’s multi-racial communities and how they form the core of its identity,” said Tan. The exhibition, titled “The Peranakan World – Cross-cultural Art of Singapore and the Straits of Malacca”, has on display textiles, costumes, jewellery, beadwork, colourful porcelain and opulent furniture. The objects from the late-19th and early-20th centuries depict four themes: Chinese sources; influences from the Malay world and the Indian Ocean; the response to Europe; and the role of Peranakans in shaping modern Southeast Asia. [related-post] A major component of the exhibition is Peranakan jewellery, which was an indicator of social standing and often part of a bride’s dowry. They commissioned jewellery from Malaysia, China, India and Europe. The kerosang — a heart-shaped brooch — perhaps the most iconic of Peranakan jewellery, derives from a Portuguese form. Jewellery for weddings was primarily made of gold and diamonds, while silver and pearls were worn during mourning, as pearls were thought to represent tears. The exhibition is part of Tan’s first state visit to India, to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Singapore will host an Indian cultural festival this year and will open an Indian Heritage Centre, as well. The exhibition is on at the National Museum, Janpath, till March 25. Contact: 23792775
