Kain Limar / Limar Fabric

Malaysia is a country with a rich culture heritage that includes exquisite woven textiles. As part of this heritage, Kain Limar (Limar fabric) is one of the finest fabrics woven in Malaysia. The nobility commonly used it as dress fabric and ceremonial attire in the 16th century. However, little is known today about Kain Limar in Malaysia, principally because there are no written documents on its practice and development. Malay weavers traditionally passed their knowledge only to their family members. The teaching of producing Limar fabrics was restricted to close family members and only on an oral and daily practice basis. Thus, the art of weaving Kain Limar has been forgotten and leading to stagnation. Most of the beautiful Kain Limar can now be found only in museums, personal collections and antique shops.

Though there are still hand-woven Songket (fabric which is hand-woven in silk or cotton, and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads) in Malaysia, lack of documentation on the Limar producing technique led to the slow disappearance of this weaving tradition in Malaysia nowadays. Understanding the historical background of the Malay textile will lead to an appreciation of the design in weaving Limar fabrics and of the tedious work involved in making it.

Weft threads are woven one by one to create many types of pattern in Kain Limar, such as ‘Limar corak penuh’ (Limar with full-patterned design), ‘Limar corak bertabur’ (Limar with scattered motifs or spotted pattern), ‘Limar corak jalur’ (Limar with striped pattern), ‘Limar tenggarun’ if the stripe pattern mixed with Songket, 'Limar corak siku keluang' (Limar with bat-elbow pattern), 'Limar corak tapak catur' (Limar with chess sites pattern' and 'Limar corak berayat / corak bersurat' (Limar with the pattern of Quranic verses). Also, the motifs in Kain Limar are mainly derived from flora, fauna and some are from the ancient beliefs.

Typically, the motif in Kain Limar is known as ‘bunga’ (flower). Also, most motifs in Kain Limar are mainly named after different flowers, although some are plants like the ‘pucuk rebung’ (bamboo shoot) and ‘pucuk susut sembunyi’ (the hidden flower buds). Motifs such as 'tampuk kesemak' (persimmon calyx), 'bunga bintang' (flower with star-shaped), 'bunga melur' (jasmine flower), 'tampuk manggis' (calyx of mangosteen) and 'motif berayat' (Quranic verses) are among the popular motifs in Kain Limar. Also, motifs in Kain Limar generally are similar with motifs which can be found in Kain Songket. For Kain Limar, the motifs are done by tying the weft yarns and dying them in many colours from natural dye (mostly garnet or dark red colour, which can be found from the roots of the Noni tree). The patterns are then woven into beautiful and classic setting which in the past were reserved for the nobility and the royalty from the East coast especially in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Kain Limar
Length: 280cm, Width: 86cm

Kain Limar

Kain Limar

Also see the "Kain Songket / Songket Fabric".

Bakul Sia / Sia Basket

Bakul sia or sia basket (auspicious basket) is a traditional Malacca Malay and Nyonya basket. It is normally made of rattans, bamboo or wood and wrapped with thick paper or leather (lacquered), and the basket will be colored with red and black, then painted with gold auspicious motifs to symbolize prosperity and richness.

People in Malacca use this basket for various purposes or events such as wedding or feast to keep fruits, cakes, dodol or traditional Malacca snacks. For the Peranakan wedding, proposals of marriage were made by a gift of a pinangan, with this lacquered basket, to the intended bride's parents brought by a go-between who speaks on behalf of the suitor. Bakul sia is an important elements in Peranakan weddings. Wedding gifts were exchanged and transported in this basket during the twelve-day long wedding, and even before that, the engagement day.

Bakul Sia 1

Bakul Sia 1 (The other side)

Bakul Sia 1

Bakul Sia 2

Bakul Sia 2 (The other side)

Bakul Sia 2

Bakul Sia 3

Bakul Sia 3 (The other side)

Bakul Sia 3

Bakul Sia 4

Bakul Sia 4 (The other side)

Bakul Sia 4

Bakul Sia 5
This is a brand new bakul sia bought from Malacca.

Bakul Sia 5 (The other side)

Bakul Sia 5

Also see the "Teochew Basket".

Silver Pillow Ends / Bantal Plates

It was customary for the Peranakan Chinese, in the days gone by, to attach specially crafted pieces of silver plates to the opposite ends of pillows and bolsters intended for the bridal bed. This was a practice which the traditional Straits Chinese borrowed from the natives of Malacca. The custom was not indigenous to China, for pillow and bolster plates were never used in ancient China. Such plates for the pillow and bolster, known as "bantal kepala" and "bantal peluk" respectively, are among the most commonly encountered samples of Straits silver work, and most of the older generations of Nyonyas in Penang, Malacca and Singapore usually treasure a few pairs of these bantal plates as of family heirlooms.

Generally, there are two types of bantal plates, one for pillow ends and the other for bolster ends. They usually come in pairs with holes along the edges for stitching it onto the ends of the pillow and bolster. They had also been regularly used by upper class Malays and the royalty. The Malay bantal plates are differ from those of the Straits Chinese in their overall decorative designs, in accordance with the precepts of Islam, consisted exclusively of formalized floral and foliate motifs arranged in arabesque patterns. The decorative designs of the Straits Chinese types of bantal plates in other hand, adhered to the traditional Chinese style of employing a heterogeneous collection of mythical and propitious symbols with phoenixes, peonies and the Eight Buddhist Emblems recurring frequently.

Pictures below show the bantal plates (bantal kepala and bantal peluk) from my collection.

A pair of bantal kepala plate.

One of a pair of bantal kepala plate.

One of a pair of bantal kepala plate.

One of a pair of bantal kepala plate.

The details of the workmanship.

One of a pair of bantal kepala plate.

One of a pair of bantal kepala plate.

The details of the workmanship.

A pair of bantal peluk plates.

One of a pair of bantal peluk plate.

One of a pair of bantal peluk plate.

A pair of bantal peluk plates.

One of a pair of bantal peluk plate.

One of a pair of bantal peluk plate.

One of a pair of bantal peluk plate.

One of a pair of bantal peluk plate.

Also see the "Beaded Pillow Ends".

Indonesian Betel Or Tobacco Box

Pictures below show an antique large Indonesian betel or tobacco box (made of thick gauge brass) from my collection, circa late 19th century or early 20th century. This rectangular betel box with blunt edges features the boxes appear to be based on similarity of 18th century Dutch tobacco boxes, though smaller form (As Indonesia was a Dutch colony before). The top cover lid is hinged and tiered, rising to a rectangular cartouche that is etched with a nice patterning (typical Malay scrolling vegetate and geometric designs) which shows influences from India and Malay trade. Together with it, is a chain handle for the user to easily carrying it around. It is heavy for its size, weighing 1kg. Inside the box is the compartment to store lime, betel nuts, tobacco and betel leaves, which are the ingredients for the betel chewing. Although the age of this betel box is readily apparent, it is still in a very good condition. Also, it is believed that great effort went into making this beautiful box to enhance the prestige of the occasion and reflect well on the owner. There are some residues of slaked lime inside the compartments. This betel box will make a beautiful addition to one's betel accessory collection. :)

Length : 25cm, Width : 13cm, Height : 10.5cm

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See also the "Silver Betel / Tobacco Box", the "Spittoons", the "Betel Nut Paraphernalia" and the "Asam Gelugor Fruit-Shaped Brass Container".

Crystal Epergne

Epergne is a type of table centerpiece, usually made of silver, but may be made of any metal, crystal, glass or porcelain.

An epergne generally has a large central "bowl" or basket sitting on three to five feet. From this center "bowl" radiate branches supporting small baskets, dishes, or candle holders. There may be between one to seven branches. Epergnes were traditionally made from silver, however from around the start of the 19th century, glass was also employed.

An epergne may be used to hold any type of food or dessert. It may also be used as a designer object to hold candles, flowers or ornaments for a holiday.

In traditional use, an epergne is a fancy way to display side dishes, fruit or sweetmeats, or can be used for chips, dips or other finger foods.

Pictures below show a cut crystal trumpet epergne from my collection, circa 1898. It is a single vase with a fluted rim and etched floral decoration, on a marked silver plated stand or base.

Height : 25.5cm.

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Cut crystal trumpet epergne with the silver plated stand.

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Cut crystal trumpet epergne removed from the silver plated stand.

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Cut crystal trumpet epergne.

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Silver plated stand.

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The base of the silver plated stand with hallmarks.

Why Do People Collect Antiques?

There are many reasons for people to collect antiques or to become an Antique collector. In addition, people have different views about owning antique collectibles. Here, there are seven reasons why people collect antiques :-

1. Collect antiques for sentimental value. People can become a collector of antiques because the items hold sentimental value. For example, a woman holds on to a ring that's given to her by a great grandmother or a table that's been in the family for three generations.
2. Restoring an antique and selling. Many people have started an antique business because they enjoy restoring antique pieces and selling them to people. It's really not about the money for some collectors.
3. Collector of favorite items. Some people enjoy collecting their items that center around their favorite game or comic book. For example, a 10 year old boy could be a collector of comic books and can have comic books from all over the world.
4. The chase of finding a certain antique. Some people experience a certain level of excitement when searching for a certain antique. Many collectors enjoy visiting stores or antique shops all over the country.
5. Collecting is a hobby. Many people see antique collecting as a hobby and enjoy doing this in their free time. Also, the antique hobbyist doesn't always buy antiques but like to window shop for antiques. Many people like to see what type of antiques is offered in different stores or countries.
6. Decorating with an antique style. Some people buy antiques to decorate their home and like the antique feel. Antique pieces can decorate a home in a beautiful fashion.
7. Antique dealers. There are some people that buy and sell antiques as a business or hobby. Antique Dealers should have a wealth of knowledge about different antiques. Antique Dealers like to find deals on antiques and make a profit from selling the antique.

Many people have their reasons for buying or collecting antiques. Also, collecting great antique pieces can provide someone with a wonderful experience and have an overwhelming appearance at home. If you are interested in buying antiques, then do the research and find an antique that work in your home. These tips should be helpful in answering why people enjoy buying antiques.

Indian Brass Bowl

Below is a beautiful small brass bowl in excellent condition, originating from India (late 19th to early 20th century), featuring the detailed decorative designs which appeared to be stamped into the bowl.

The main decorative band is engraved with seven procession of human figures (dancers) in between the leafy panels which undulates around the bowl, many of whom have two or four arms and animal heads, all against a densely punch-marked background.

Diameter : 11.5cm, Height : 5cm

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