Description
Hindu-Islamic nic in shape and function, yet strangely characteristic of the Chinese in emblem and decorative design, Straits Chinese silver is an unusual product of two cultural traditions. Though having none of the quiet elegance of old Malay silver, the ornamental beauty of Straits silverwork is particularly striking and has an appeal of its own.
This exquisite workmanship was however never attributed to the local Chinese silversmith until the early seventies. In fact, during the late nineteenth century, large quantities of Straits Chinese silver were being fabricated in small towns in Malaya and Singapore by local Chinese silversmiths, immigrants from mainland China. These articles were made for the Straits Chinese community, and especially for the nonyas.
Of pertinent interest in this book is the information, clearly given, with regard to the usage of these articles of Straits Chinese silver. Buntal plates, buckles, nonya hairpins resembling ear-picks, intricate pieces of jewellery, and sireh sets, amongst numerous other items, are all exclusive to the peranakans. Descriptions of each of these categories bring the reader to an intimate understanding of the Straits Chinese lifestyle.
Furthermore, there is an urgent need to record this for posterity, as Straits Chinese silver is fast becoming a rarity. Just as the customs and traditions are slowly but surely being displaced by Westernization and other social factors, it will only be a matter of time before the art of Straits silverwork disappears altogether.
To highlight this collector's volume are over 130 illustrations, captioned in refreshing detail, about 90 of which have been reproduced in full colour. The stunning collection shown here is representative of the finest Straits Chinese silver to be seen anywhere in present- day Malaysia and Singapore, and covers the entire inventory of Straits silverwork.
At a time when no one at all had heard of Straits silverwork, Dr Ho Wing Meng commenced a labour of love. Many artefacts of Straits Chinese silver were resourcefully gathered through trips to Malaysia, and he made remarkable inroads into the research of that little-known area. In 1976 the very first edition of Straits Chinese Silver appeared, stirring great interest in the peranakan culture
Apart from his four books in The Straits Chinese Heritage series, Dr Ho Wing Meng has published over 25 academic articles in various journals and books on a variety of topics ranging from Formal Logic, the Philosophy of Science, Values and Education to Social and Political Studies. His latest book is The Emperor's Lost Treasure, which was published in 2003.
Educated at the University of Malaya in Singapore and Oxford University in England, Dr Ho taught and lectured in Philosophy at the National University of Singapore for 33 years. He was appointed Head of the Philosophy Department in 1970 and retired as Associate Professor in 1993. Since his retirement, Dr Ho has turned his attention to Chinese porcelain from the Ming Dynasty.
ISBN:9789812616678
