Dressing table mirrors were usually placed on dressers in the bedroom. This piece is of a more common type that was lacquered red and gilt. Mirrors were usually ornately carved and featured motifs popular with the Peranakans, such as birds, peonies and ‘qilin’ (mythical hooved Chinese creature) legs. Peonies and qilins are auspicious symbols of wealth and good fortune. This piece has a simple design using floral patterns in gilt to form a border around the mirror. Mirrors were common items in Peranakan homes. The Peranakans had certain beliefs about mirrors. One such belief was that mirrors should be placed outside the front door or around family altars to deflect ‘unfavourable energy’.
