Such brooches, known as 'kerosang', were worn by Peranakan women as fasteners on blouses and usually come in groups of three. The largest brooch is paisley-shaped, and is accompanied by an insect-shaped brooch and a simple circlet. The origin of the kerosang is uncertain, although it has been suggested that kerosang came from the Malays, who call them 'kerongsang'. Kerosang were worn by ladies in island Southeast Asia as well as mixed heritage communities such as the Peranakan Chinese.
