Straits Chinese Beadwork and Embroidery: A Collector’s Guide Hardcover,2003

Although much literature has been written on various aspects of Straits Chinese culture and its fascinating arts and crafts, nothing has hitherto been written on Straits Chinese beadwork and embroidery. This book is the first of its kind. It also highlights the uniqueness of beadwork and embroidery in that, unlike porcelain and silver, which have actually been made by mainland Chinese craftsmen to Straits Chinese specifications, beadwork and embroidery are the exclusive handicrafts of the Straits nonyas. In this marvellous legacy, they have brought that touch of splendour to utilitarian items like comb boxes, stools, spectacle cases and provided as well the lavish costumes and embroidered panels and paraphernalia for the festivities of a Straits Chinese wedding. Born out of patience and luxuriant detail, the thousands of tiny beads and infinitesimal stitches that have gone into the making of “Straits Chinese beadwork and embroidery” combine to make these works of dazzling finery. In this companion volume to “Straits Chinese Porcelain” and “Straits Chinese Silver”, the author also covers new ground by comparing beadwork fabricated by Straits nonyas with the Indonesian perankan variety, and includes, in the embroidery section, a fascinating account of silk and sericulture. Over 90 illustrations of rare beadwork and embroidery have been included here, in spectacular full colour, and they come from several treasured private collections in Singapore and Indonesia.