Fan case

Probably Malacca or Singapore, late 19th to early 20th century
Silk velvet embroidered with glass beads
Peranakan Museum, Gift of Mrs Seah Cheng Siew née Quah Quee Choo [2015-00402]

This example represents a particularly delicate style of beadwork from the Straits Settlements, characterized by detailed workmanship and softly merging colours.

Motifs worked in this style are mostly Chinese. The dragon and tiger on this unusual beadwork fan case may relate to the Chinese zodiac.