Kamchengs (covered jars) are utilitarian vessels that range in size from nine to thirty-three centimetres. This kamcheng is among the largest pieces produced for the Peranakan community. Large kamchengs served primarily as food vessels for festive occasions like weddings and birthdays. These kamchengs belong to the category of “Nyonyaware”, a class of export Chinese porcelain in the 19th to early 20th centuries made to suit the Peranakan taste of Southeast Asia. Nyonyaware of the 20th century is distinctive for its combination of bright colours, profusion of decoration and preferred motifs of peony and phoenix.
