Peranakan Silver Platter – Baba, Nonya
Chased Silver Phoenix Tray with Open-work
Peranakan Chinese, Java, Indonesiacirca 1920
length: 32.5cm, width: 19.5cm, weight: 325g
This open-work silver tray with scalloped edges and chased and engraved with a central roundel with phoenixes in flight and scrolling floral work appears to accord with the tastes of the peranakan Chinese of Java, Indonesia and most probably dates to around 1920. It sits on a low foot ring.
The
peranakan Chinese were the localised Chinese – those Chinese who had been on Java for several or more generations and who had become acculturated with the Javanese and other indigenous populations.
Phoenixes were long associated with weddings among the localised Chinese of Southeast Asia so perhaps this tray was commissioned for use in the elaborate and days long wedding ceremonies and celebrations that the
peranakans and babas and nonyas staged.
The silver is without shop or maker’s marks.
Provenance
UK art market.
Inventory no.: 1071
SOLD