Also known as the ‘bakul siah’, this four-tiered basket is an important item in the proceedings of a traditional 12-day Peranakan Chinese wedding. On the sixth day before the wedding (called ‘sang ih’), relatives receive a formal invitation as well as small red and white glutinous rice balls in syrup, which are called ‘kueh ih’. These rice balls are distributed by a party of five led by the master of ceremonies (or ‘pak chindek’) and presented in delicate bowls which are carried in the ‘bakul siah’. The basket is also used during the ‘lap chai’ ceremony to carry wedding gifts exchanged between the bride’s and groom’s family.
