Silver Sleeve / Shoulder Ornaments

Pictures below are a pair of silver sleeve ornaments which are the type of Straits silver work modelled after the shape of a phoenix, although it was never used by the Peranakan Chinese. They were apparently used as sleeve or shoulder ornaments for the bride and groom in traditional Malay wedding ceremonies.

The Straits Chinese versions of this phoenix ornaments, unlike those made in China, do not have long, graceful tails. It was made of beaten silver and the details of the plumage are executed in chased work. Except for the head and the neck which are modelled in the round, the body, wings and tails are made out of broad, flat pieces of silver plates.

Generally, phoenix ornaments of this type appear to have been confined only to the Southern states of Johor, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan.

Picture 1
A pair of sleeve or shoulder ornaments, designed after the fashion of phoenix, reputedly said to have been affixed to the ceremonial costume of the Malay bridegroom. They are the handiwork of old Chinese silversmiths in Johor.

Picture 2
Closer look of the chased work.

Picture 3
Closer look of the chased work.

Picture 4
Bottom view of the ornament, where you can find the two hooks which were used to attach the ornaments to the sleeve of the ceremonial costume.