Such brooches, known as 'kerosang', were worn by Peranakan women as fasteners on blouses and usually come in groups of three. As the three silver brooches are joined by a chain, this kerosang is known as 'kerosang rantay' (rantay being the Baba Malay word for chain). These brooches come in the elegant shape of curling leaves, and are set with blue gems on the main leaf vein and diamonds. 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.
