It all began in the fifth century. Sailing ships plied goods from pepper to opium between West Asia and China. With the rise of Penang, Singapore and Malacca as three ports in the Straits of Malacca, the Straits Settlements comprising these ports were established in 1826. The immigration of traders resulted in intermarriages and the birth of “Straits-born” Chinese. The women were called Nonyas and the men, Babas.

And so began a mélange of religion, customs, cuisines, language and architecture. What about the term “Peranakan”? Derived from the Malay root word “anak” meaning child, “Peranakans” apply to descendants of immigrants who are native by birth, in Malaya and Indonesia. So, eg. a Baba is a Peranakan but not all Peranakans are Babas.

One of the most iconic Nonyaware, this family heirloom is typical of the porcelain of those days. Often commissioned from China, they are decorated with motifs symbolizing happiness and good fortune as these pieces were meant for festive occasions. Peonies take central place in the decorative design on my mother’s kamcheng pot (seen here).

The Qilin, often referred to as the Chinese unicorn, sitting on top of the pot cover, is a mythical creature in Chinese mythology. It is an embodiment of benevolence, prosperity, and wisdom.

Mum used to store the achar that she made, in this pot, for our consumption. Porcelain is perfect for a vinaigrette based pickle. Today, we store our achar in glass jars.

The ultimate utilitarian cookware. Because of its ingenious shape, you could cook anything, in any quantity, in this traditional cast iron cookware. From a handful of chopped garlic to top the Bakwan Kepeting Soup, to an entire wok of Ayam Buah Keluak, replete with gravy!