This round tablecloth is embroidered on silk damask and uses the satin stitch. Damasks are reversible fabrics, usually made of silk, wool, linen or cotton, with patterns formed by weaving. The panel contains brightly contained motifs of peony blossoms and other floral motifs. Peonies symbolise wealth and were considered omens of good fortune in the Chinese culture. It also has coloured tassels along the edges. These decorative and ornamental panels were commonly displayed around the Peranakan house. They served varied functions, such as food covers and as covers for side tables. These were made visible to guests when they were entertained in the Peranakan household. As many Peranakan were traders, dinner parties were fairly common occurrences.
