This gold and diamond finial would have been placed on the top of the hat worn by the groom in a Peranakan wedding. At 13cm, it is one of the larger finials that would have been used by Peranakans in Indonesia. The upper half of the finial is blue glass cut in a diamond shape and is attached to a gold filigree base with rose-cut diamonds. The gold base is shaped like an inverted flower with an abstract rendering of the Chinese character, 壽 siu (Mandarin: shou) which means longevity. This finial is highly unusual and more elaborate than others placed on hats worn by Peranakan grooms. Such hats would be worn as part of the bridegroom’s Manchu inspired outfit.
