This is a wedding robe worn by a Peranakan bride. With a mandarin collar and side opening, the red robe is richly embroidered with peonies and phoenixes, symbols of prosperity and loyalty respectively. Also included are two embroidered strips with strings of beads hanging from v-shaped ends. Four such hangings would have been attached to a cape placed over the wedding robe.In Malacca, the garment was worn during the Chiu Thau ceremony which took place after the Chia Lang Kheh (Dinner for guests on wedding eve) and before the Chim Pang (Meeting of the Bride and Bridegroom). Wedding robes were specially ordered from Shanghai or made by Shanghainese tailors living in Singapore.
