Peranakan wares are one of the few ceramic ware styles that can be considered unique to our region! Used by the straits-born Chinese from the mid 1800s, the style is born out of an fusion of Southeast Asian (especially Malay) and Chinese culture, and produced in kilns of Jingdezhen in China. The painters of this style is less common now, with reduced demand as the traditional Nyonya culture fades, and may of the old masters are no longer around.
Besides using vibrant contrasting colours, Peranakan or Nyonya wares also feature plenty of Peony and Phoenixes! Peonies represent prosperity, good fortune and beauty. The Phoenix, we think, is more interesting! With the head of a golden pheasant, body of a mandarin duck, tail of a peacock, legs of a crane and wings of a swallow, the Phoenix combines the lucky elements of these auspicious Chinese birds to represent beauty, grace and virtue. The male counterpart, the Dragon, is noticeably absent, which is a testament to the matriarchal nature of the Peranakan culture.
This auspicious Gaiwan is made of porcelain, and is thus versatile and suitable for brewing all teas.
Painted porcelain gaiwan.
Approximate Dimensions:
Height of base + body + lid: 8cm
Diameter of rim of gaiwan: 8.5cm
Diameter of base/saucer: 8.5cm
Capacity: to the brim 135ml, functionally for brewing 100ml
Besides using vibrant contrasting colours, Peranakan or Nyonya wares also feature plenty of Peony and Phoenixes! Peonies represent prosperity, good fortune and beauty. The Phoenix, we think, is more interesting! With the head of a golden pheasant, body of a mandarin duck, tail of a peacock, legs of a crane and wings of a swallow, the Phoenix combines the lucky elements of these auspicious Chinese birds to represent beauty, grace and virtue. The male counterpart, the Dragon, is noticeably absent, which is a testament to the matriarchal nature of the Peranakan culture.
This auspicious Gaiwan is made of porcelain, and is thus versatile and suitable for brewing all teas.
Painted porcelain gaiwan.
Approximate Dimensions:
Height of base + body + lid: 8cm
Diameter of rim of gaiwan: 8.5cm
Diameter of base/saucer: 8.5cm
Capacity: to the brim 135ml, functionally for brewing 100ml