A Pair Of Pillow Ends In Repoussé Sterling Silver, Asian Work Around 1900

Straits Chinese embossed silver pillow ends, Malaysia/Singapore circa 1900 diameter: 9.4 cm, combined weight: 30.9 grams This matching pair of octagonal silver bolsters or pillows is embossed with motifs typically Chinese such as flowers and Taoist symbols. The ends would have been sewn to the ends of a pillow or bolster intended for use on the bridal bed and as part of wedding rituals. Small holes were drilled at both ends for this reason. The Baba and Nonya or Straits Chinese or Peranakan adopted the use of silver pillow ends as part of their wedding rituals from the local Malays. This pair is believed to have been made in the Straits Settlements or possibly in Indonesia by a Chinese goldsmith for a local Chinese client. Such plates were not used in China.