The word 'chupu' ('cepu' in Malay for metal box) was used by the Peranakan Chinese to refer to covered jars. It has also been referred to as 'himcheng' or ‘timcheng’ (‘tim’ is the Hokkien word for ‘double boiled’). The chupu has a symmetrical tapering profile and comes in various sizes, and in a range of pastel colour combinations. It was used on celebratory occasions to serve specially prepared foods. During Peranakan Chinese weddings, the chupu was probably used to serve bird’s nest soup and special tonics that the bride would serve to her new husband. They were also used to serve a dessert known as 'kueh ee', which the bride and groom would serve each other in recognition of their first marital duty as a married couple.
