This is a fish ornament with many small rose cut diamonds (intan in Baba Malay) inserted all over the body. Fish are auspicious Chinese symbols used in weddings as they represent of abundance. It is likely that this ornament was originally sewn onto a textile such as a ceremonial handkerchief or a wedding headband.This ornament 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.
