The Art and Craft of the Peranakan Culture

Nyonya beadwork and embroidery are complex craft patterns connected with the Peranakan culture and can be found in decorations for everyday household items, as well as more exquisite pieces for special occasions such as weddings.

Nyonya beadwork uses coloured glass and metal seed beads that are 1mm to 2mm in diameter. The most used beads are the rocaille (round beads with no flat sides) and charlotte (facet-cut) glass seed beads. They may be stitched individually and strung on a thread that is fastened on the fabric with a second thread (bead couching) or sewn to the fabric one or two at a time (lane stitching).

Nyonya embroidery is similar to Chinese embroidery tradition because it uses the same materials, themes, and stitching techniques. Threads of all shades are used, as well as metal purls and bullion, which are “very fine spring-like threads that are hollow through the centre”.

One of the most iconic items is the beaded slipper, also known as kasut manek. The beaded slipper is worn by the Nyonya people to complete their look with the kebaya outfit. The shoe is made from delicate and colourful beads, this stylish footwear receives great compliments among the people on special occasions. The delicate workmanship that goes into the process of making the beaded shoes are accomplished by Peranakan woman who put effort into stitching the individual beads into the shoes.

Next, we have the kebaya, which is considered to derive from the Malay, Baju Panjang. The clothing uses a soft and sheer fabric as a base material and different types of stitches are used to create the patterns on the fabric. The clothing also features two triangular front panels known as, “lapik”, that fall over the hips. Similar to the Nyonya beadwork, the embroidery patterns give off European vibes in their use of floral and animal themes.

References

NG, S. (2019). 7 Heritage Crafts To Learn Before They Disappear Forever.

Retrieved 25 June 2020, from https://www.harpersbazaar.com.sg/life/heritage-crafts-learn-before-they-disappear/

Nyonya beadwork and embroidery.

Retrieved 25 June 2020, from https://www.roots.sg/learn/resources/ich/nyonya-beadwork-and-embroidery