This is a Victorian style Bell Jar craft also known as “Gelai Tutup”. Such bell jars or cloche were originally coverings made of glass that were placed over individual plants to provide them protection from the elements. However, “Gelai tutup” is a decorative piece that were made or commissioned for the wedding chamber during the 12 day traditional Peranakan wedding. The decorations are created using metallic wire and gauze. These include various types of animals, such as a pair of monkeys, an elephant and a bear. There are also different types of fruits hanging from the branches. Mounting decorative displays under hand-blown glass cloches (bell-shaped covers) began in Victorian Britain and the tradition was adopted in colonial Malaya. "Gelai tutup" were predominantly found in Peranakan households in Penang.
