Food covering

This embroidered food covering or 'tudong saji' is stitched with multi-coloured beads on a maroon velvet base and trimmed with lace. Beadwork is used to create the central phoenix motif. Additional motifs of auspicious fruits, birds, animals and sea creatures are arranged in two outer bands. Knobs or finials were often sewn by Peranakan women and added to lacquered food covers to make them more attractive for special occasions like a wedding. They were fixed on top of food covers so that they can be lifted up easily.