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The Peranakan Chinese Home: Art and Culture in Daily Life

The Peranakan Chinese Home: Art and Culture in Daily Life – A Review

If you are interested in learning more about the Peranakan Chinese culture, a unique hybrid of Chinese, Malay, and European influences that emerged in Southeast Asia, then you might want to check out this book by Ronald G. Knapp and Chester Ong. The Peranakan Chinese Home: Art and Culture in Daily Life is a lavishly illustrated book that showcases the rich and diverse art and culture of the Peranakan Chinese, who are also known as the Straits Chinese or the Baba-Nyonya.

The book is divided into six chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the Peranakan Chinese home: the entrance hall, the reception room, the dining room, the bedroom, the kitchen, and the altar room. In each chapter, the authors describe the various objects that the Peranakan Chinese used or displayed in their homes, such as furniture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, paintings, and photographs. They also explain the meanings and functions of these objects, as well as their origins and influences. For example, the authors point out that the Peranakan Chinese furniture was often made of tropical hardwoods and decorated with intricate carvings, mother-of-pearl inlays, and lacquer work. The furniture reflected both Chinese and European styles, such as the opium bed, the marble-top table, and the grandfather clock. The authors also note that the Peranakan Chinese ceramics were mostly imported from China, but some were locally made or adapted to suit the Peranakan taste and needs. The ceramics featured colorful and elaborate designs, such as phoenixes, peonies, butterflies, and auspicious symbols.

The book is not only informative, but also visually stunning. The photographs by Chester Ong capture the beauty and elegance of the Peranakan Chinese objects, as well as the atmosphere and mood of the Peranakan Chinese homes. The photographs are accompanied by captions that provide additional details and insights. The book also includes a glossary of terms, a bibliography, and an index for easy reference.

The Peranakan Chinese Home: Art and Culture in Daily Life is a book that will appeal to anyone who is curious about the Peranakan Chinese culture, or who appreciates the art and craftsmanship of the Peranakan Chinese objects. The book is a feast for the eyes and the mind, and a tribute to the rich and vibrant heritage of the Peranakan Chinese people.

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