This blue needlework pouch is designed with butterflies and flowers, auspicious motifs of fertility and prosperity for weddings. Additionally, images of altar censors are also found on the pouch. This pouch could have used as a wedding certificate holder, or tempat surat (literally letter container). It would have been used for the ceremonial presentation of the wedding contract or certificate. This is an important and diverse collection of Peranakan Chinese beadwork and embroidery from Indonesia. It contains unusual forms of beadwork and embroidery and are reflective of the fondness that Peranakan Chinese throughout Southeast Asia have for bright colours and ornate decorations.
