Royal Selangor Peony Tea Caddy

Lidded jars, or kamcheng , are one of nyonya ware’s most distinctive forms, used primarily at wedding ceremonies. Interpreted here as a generously proportioned tea caddy, ogival cartouches enclosing lush peony buds and blossoms sit against a field of floral sprays above a border of stylised lotus petals. The lid features the composite baoxiang flower, a finial of a pearl; one of Buddhism’ Eight Treasures and symbolic of feminine beauty, and a gilded collar. Taken together, the symbolism exudes love and affection.About the collectionA modern expression in pewter of extravagantly coloured nonya ware, unique to the Peranakan communities of Penang, Malacca and Singapore.