Enamel Trays / Dulang

The practice of making enamel has been known for thousands of years. When this technology is applied to household utensils, it produces items that are light yet durable. Enamel is created by applying glass in powder form to a metal, ceramic or glass surface and heating it at high temperatures, hence, creating a hard, durable surface.

Household enamelled items were usually made from tin or iron coated with enamel. These were suitable for daily use as they were not as delicate as porcelain nor as breakable-like glass.

Even though enamelled utensils were not exclusively been used by the Peranakans, but many enamelled items could be found in their household.

Pictures below show the enamel trays or 'dulang' (in Malay) with different sizes, which commonly can be found in the Peranakan's kitchen.

Enamel Tray 1.
Diameter : 50cm.

Enamel Tray 2.
Diameter : 50.5cm.

Enamel Tray 3.
Diameter : 51cm.

Enamel Tray 4.
Diameter : 51cm.

Enamel Tray 5.
Diameter : 35cm.

Enamel Tray 6.
Diameter : 30.5cm.

Enamel Tray 7.
Diameter : 25.5cm.

Enamel Tray 8.
Diameter : 32cm.

Antique Chinese Embroidered Collar

In China, collars were normally made separately from the robe or garment. As such, the so-called cloud collars were used much like a necklace, allowing a single collar to be worn over various robes. This is a beautiful traditional three layered Han Chinese style embroidered collar dates to the Qing dynasty period. The background fabric is red, blue and pink silk, bordered with black rolled trim. The collar is very finely embroidered with silk thread using predominately the satin embroidery stitch. Each petal (lobe) boasts its own scene.

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