Featured Chinese export silver incense holder

I was led to believe that's what this is can anyone confirm at all. Also any ideas on age. It has a couple of issues does anyone think it would be fixable happy to pay to get it back to its best. No marks but is silver and 125mm long Thanks chris

 

Oh my god.

No, that is not an incense burner.

If it's what I think it is...then it is a Peranakan silver betel-leaf holder.

Like this:



Would've been made in China for the Peranakan/Straits-Chinese market in Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaya, Indonesia).

Would be early 1900s (no later than the 1930s).

 

Yes, it is a very beautiful Indonesian sirih or betel leaf holder. Not Chinese Export, but made by a Peranakan silversmith, probably in Java.
The Peranakan, or Straits Chinese, are people of Chinese descent in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
Just send it to me and I'll fix the issues.

 

Screw you, send it to me!! My family was Peranakan!!

 

Descendant of the Chinese Captain of Tuban, Java here!

 

My ancestors were Peranakan goldsmiths! I want it! I want it!! NO FAIR!! :'(

 

I was first, besides, this girl has been waiting for me to buy her sirih (betel) for a long time, and I have nowhere to put it. Just look at her face.

This is the way it is rolled up, before it is put in the holder.

 

Wow thanks for the responses. Awesone! Wasn't advertised as that it was 200 dollars which considering the condition thought may have been a little high but maybe not. Just googled and was interesting reading appreciate that.
The question still stands though is it fixable ot just leave as it is. Thinking about it and just how nice it is and could be, could it be repaired or do you need to see clearer pictures.
Thanks again chris

 

I would definitely consider $200 worth the price (although of course any discount is always good).

If you can find someone to fix it, so much the better. I don't think I need to emphasize, and I daresay AJ would agree with me, that Peranakan antiques - in particular silver & goldware of Peranakan origins, are rare. I would clean it, get it fixed, and love it for the rest of your life. Don't sell it! I doubt you'll ever get another one.

 

Thanks shangas appreciate the reply. Will see who I can find to maybe have a look at it for me. Definitely keeping it especially after what you find folk have told me.

 

This one sold for 110 euro this weekend:

https://auction.catawiki.com/kavels/17901897-silver-blgg-sirih-leaf-holder-indonesia-malaysia
That is slightly under the price you paid. While it is beautiful, it is not nearly as stunning as yours. I agree with Shangas, Peranakan antique silver and gold is rare, and collectible. Yours is extremely rare.

 

See? Toldja!

Keep it, dude. You'll probably never find another one in your life. I speak from nearly 10 years chasing Peranakan antiques. I only have a handful. And my father's side was Peranakan going back for centuries.

 

NOW, NOW, CHILDREN!!!!!!!!! Let's play NICE!!!!

 

AJ and I are always squabbling over this stuff! You know that!!

 

If you are able to find someone to repair the damage I hope you will show the results.

Do you live in or near a large metropolitan city? Maybe someone at one of the larger museums could help you out.

 

Try and find yourself a manufacturing jeweler or silversmith. They should be able to help. It may cost a bit, but with something that rare, it's worth it!

 

Live close to Melbourne and have a quick look but will be doing a bit more research tonight definitely want to do it. Should I just give it a clean with a bit of dishwashing liquid and warm water at the moment. Will appreciate your advice.
will keep you posted if I find someone like the museum idea might email them first.

 

@ Chris Mount

Soft toothbrush and baking soda paste.

 

Thanks holly give it s go