Singapore

This exhibition showcases over 120 artifacts, including portraits, household items, clothing, wedding-related objects, and architectural pieces, from the collections of the Asian Civilizations Museum and Peranakan Museum (National Heritage Board of Singapore), alongside 13 pieces of furniture from the collection of the China (Hainan) South China Sea Museum. The display captures various facets of the Baba-Nyonya culture, exploring themes like identity, architecture, domestic life, wedding customs, and religious practices, illustrating the rich cultural blend of the Peranakan heritage.

Southeast Asia, a critical stop along the Maritime Silk Road, saw early Chinese migration as early as the 15th century, with settlers from Fujian and Guangdong regions merging with local communities through intermarriage, forming a unique cultural group known as Baba-Nyonya. The men, called “Baba,” and women, “Nyonya,” significantly contributed to the region’s social and cultural fabric, creating a unique heritage that blends Chinese customs with local traditions.

This exhibition vividly illustrates Baba-Nyonya life through artifacts that reflect their portraits, architectural style, household and wedding customs, clothing, and religious beliefs. A particularly striking piece, a gilded and intricately carved wedding bed, captivates visitors as a highlight of the display.