The Straits Collection

Craftsmanship has always held an important role in the culture of the Peranakans. This includes expert embroidery work seen on Nonya kebayas, the finely beaded designs on Nonya slippers and even in their famous kuehs!

This collection presents the parallel between Islamic practices and the Peranakan culture and how they both celebrate the art form of beading in their own ways. I have attempted to merge these two aspects of my life together by presenting the beauty of Peranakan art as depicted in the form of a tasbih – a beaded counter for Islamic prayer.

The Straits collection was designed as a means to honour the charm of my Peranakan heritage and culture. The Straits, Manis and Nonya tasbihs all carry delicate handmade ornaments that add an oriental flare to these colourful pieces and they are a sweet ode to the culture’s known liking for adornment and accessorising.

Representing the beauty of trade and the culmination of differences that make up the very tapestry of Peranakan culture, the Straits tasbih (1st picture) reflects the elegance of antique blue and white Chinese porcelain – a popular trading good within the Straits Settlements. The charms that adorn this piece also capture another icon associated with the Baba and Nonya of the Straits and that is thePeranakan tile.

The Manis tasbih (2nd picture) captures the charm of beautiful pink Nonya kebayas worn by Peranakan women. This piece in particular was inspired by my favourite embroidered Nonya kebaya and its charms represent the beautiful floral hairpieces I typically wear with the traditional costume.

The Nonya tasbih (3rd picture) captures the iconic Peranakan turquoise blue – a colour seen not only on traditional costumes, but also on Nonya ware. Food is a very important aspect of the Peranakan culture and beautiful Nonya ware were proudly presented to serve guests during special occasions. Even the spoons were pretty! The motifs on these Nonya ware typically depicted beautiful blossoming flowers and these are represented by the flower charm on the tasbih.

I hope not only for this collection to contribute to the celebration and preservation of Peranakan culture, but also for it to add a little colour to your everyday rituals.