Filigree Ornament

This is a pair of pomegranates done almost entirely in filigree work. Pomegranates are thought of as auspicious symbols of fecundity and offspring, due to the proliferation of seeds in the fruit. 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.