Royal Selangor Magpie Container

Replete with joyous symbolism, magpies play amongst the cloud-shaped container’s branches of plum blossoms, whilst on the lid, a sprig of peony meanders between 24K gilded coin motifs. Already regarded as the bird of happiness and good tidings, a pair of magpies represents marital bliss, amplified by plum blossoms symbolic of longevity and hope. Peonies connote beauty, love and affection, and the distinctive Chinese coin motif an obvious reference to prosperity.About the collectionA modern expression in pewter of extravagantly coloured nonya ware, unique to the Peranakan communities of Penang, Malacca and Singapore.