This pair of octagonal shaped ‘kepala bantal’ (the Baba Malay term for ‘pillow head’) or bolster ends features auspicious motifs. This pair of kepala bantal was used by Peranakan Chinese to decorate the wedding bed. The use of such symbols of fertility reflects the desire for the new couple to have many heirs. The border of holes would have been sewn to the end of bolsters. It is believed that the ancestors of the Peranakan Chinese had adopted the use of pillow and bolster ends on the wedding bed from the local population. Aside from gilt silver, bolster ends may also be embroidered or made with beadwork.
