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. This “kamcheng” is decorated with large sprays of rose pink peonies, some in full bloom while others still in the bud stage. Peonies symbolise spring, love and beauty. 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 colour, in the Peranakan culture, symbolises happiness, longevity, youthfulness and innocence. The ‘kamcheng’ could have varied 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.
