This is a ceremonial paddle painted black with floral decorations and a prominent Chinese phoenix motif in gold gliding. The reddish colouring of the piece comes from the type of lacquer used. Paddles like this one were used by young, unmarried court ladies on ceremonial boat trips down the Musi river. Palembang has long been an important centre for trade and has attracted people from both within and outside Southeast Asia. Among them were many Chinese immigrants who intermarried with the local population and contributed to a hybrid culture with Malay, Minangkabau and Chinese features.
