enticz: Nyonya Handkerchiefs

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Nyonya Handkerchiefs

A handkerchief is a thin, square fabric that can be carried in the pocket or purse, which is intended for personal hygiene purposes such as wiping one's hands or face, or blowing one's nose. A handkerchief is also sometimes used as a purely decorative accessory in a suit pocket. The material of a handkerchief can be symbolic of the social-economic class of the user, not only because some materials are more expensive, but because they are more absorbent and practical for those who use a handkerchief for more than style. Handkerchiefs can be made of cotton, cotton-synthetic blend, synthetic fabric, silk, or linen.

Pictures below show the collection of my Nyonya handkerchiefs.

This type of handkerchief with various motifs were usually worn affixed to the top kerongsang piece of a baju panjang, and flipped over to the right or left of the shoulder. It would sometimes be used to dab the mouth after the Nyonya lady had chewed her betel leaves, staining her lips red. Size : 47cm x 47cm.