This gold Peranakan Chinese 'pending' or belt buckle features a central stylized motif of the phoenix and peony, bound by a border of plum blossom motifs in raised design work otherwise known as embossing. Stamped with pure gold mark, it is a rare piece made locally by Chinese goldsmiths. Belt buckles, like this one here, was used with the 'baju panjang' or long tunic worn by Nonya women, and often only on special occasions like weddings and birthdays. In the past, jewellery also served as a form of financial security for Peranakan women, many of whom were illiterate and highly dependent on their husbands and families for financial support.
