This is a peony ornament made entirely of filigree work. Peonies are auspicious Chinese symbols which represent feminine beauty, prosperity and nobility. It is often used as a motif of spring and in the context of weddings could be paired with phoenixes. . 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.
