The Peranakan Chinese Home: Art and Culture in Daily Life

Discover the rarified Peranakan (native-born Chinese of Southeast Asia) aesthetics that are today highly sought-after for their beauty: distinctive furniture and ceramics, textiles and jewellery, and many other art objects. Discover the exquisite decorative arts and rich cultural traditions of the Peranakan Chinese through the objects that filled their homes and shaped their daily lives. The Peranakan Chinese Home is a beautifully illustrated exploration of the distinctive material culture of the Peranakan, also known as the Straits Chinese or Baba-Nyonya, whose vibrant heritage emerged from centuries of cultural exchange across Southeast Asia. Renowned for their refined taste and exceptional craftsmanship, the Peranakan created a unique artistic tradition blending Chinese, Malay and European influences. Organized by room and household function, each chapter examines the furniture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry and decorative objects that defined Peranakan domestic life. These beautifully crafted pieces are presented in the context of everyday living as well as important ceremonies, including Chinese New Year celebrations, weddings, ancestor worship, births and funerals. Detailed commentary explains the symbolism of decorative motifs and highlights the distinctive features that set Peranakan art apart from similar traditions in China. Filled with stunning color photography and rare archival images, The Peranakan Chinese Home is both a visual celebration of one of Southeast Asia's most sophisticated artistic traditions and an invaluable resource for collectors, designers, historians and anyone interested in Asian decorative arts and cultural heritage.