The “kamcheng” is a type of covered container. In the Hokkien dialect, the term has been interpreted to mean “covered jar”. This piece has a tub-like shape with a dome shaped cover. A standing Buddhist lion-dog sits on top of the cover and two pairs of opposing blue lion-dog masks for the ring handles are attached to the sides of the body. The central motif on this piece is a phoenix in flight with a scaly green body and dark details, surrounded by green foliage and pink peony blossoms. The phoenix symbolises beauty, grace, high virtue, the bride and the Empress. These are painted against a rose pink background. The colour represents meanings of happiness, longevity, youthfulness and innocence. The rim of the container is lined with symbols from the Eight auspicious Buddhist Emblems, such as the Lotus Flower, and interspersed with trailing ribbons on a rose pink background. The ‘kamcheng’ could have several day to day uses, such as the storage of rice, pickles, soup and other foods. It was also one of the three important wares in Peranakan Chinese wedding ceremonies. It could be used to bring various types of food and sweetmeats to the bridal room for the bride and groom throughout the twelve days of the wedding celebrations.
