Hangings for the bed

Penang, early 20th century
Silk embroidered with silk floss i(satin, voided satin, encroaching satin, stem, and knot stitches); attached fringe and tassels of netted or plaited glass beads
Peranakan Museum, Gift of Mr Edmond Chin [2002-00724.1, 2]

The Peranakan Chinese matrimonial bed was usually dressed with sumptuous embroideries. These reached their apogee in Penang.

Tie-shaped hangings, called kiam tua (sword hangings), were suspended at the front of the bed as symbolic protection for the newlyweds. Netted or plaited beadwork took the place of knotwork fringes. Large bed covers may have been stitched by professional embroiderers. The techniques of these pieces are reminiscent of Chinese embroideries, but the sharp jewel-like colours are typical of Penang nyonya needlework.