Filigree Rat

This is a small decorative gold rat. It is created entirely with filigree work. Such an ornament could have been originally part of a headdress or headband of a bride at the Peranakan wedding. This filigree rat is part of a group donation from descendants of Tan Kim Seng and Tan Jiak Kim. Both were wealthy merchants, philanthropists and leaders of the local Hokkien community.