Set of kebaya brooches

The front of the kebaya does not have buttons, so the blouse was fastened by brooches or pins. This set consists of three gilded silver brooches. They are decorated with flowers, fish, and birds in refined filigree. The biggest one is heart-shaped and therefore this set is called kerosang or kerongsang in Malay, which is derived from the Portuguese word coração, meaning ‘heart’. Luxurious clothing and expensive jewellery was a way for Peranakan women to express their social status. They also provided an insurance in times of need, as they could easily be pawned or sold.

Riau, Sumatra; first quarter 20th century; gilded silver