Fabric with a design for embroidery

Penang, early 20th century
Cotton with ink and colour
Peranakan Museum

Flat satin stitch embroideries from Penang bear a striking similarity to Chinese needlework. But the proportions of the figures, compositions, and the dominance of secondary colours in Penang silk embroideries are distinct, and suggest how Peranakan Chinese tastes transformed Chinese-style needlework.