Singapore Beads New Issue-Unusual- Beads affixed on stamp-2021.

A special edition Collector’s Sheet featuring an exquisite table cover curated by Singapore Peranakan Museum. This beaded table cover was used to decorate a table known as the choon tok, in the wedding chamber, where a Peranakan bride and groom partake in their first meal together. The table cover is made up of over a million small glass beads and a variety of birds, insects, and flowers native to Asia, Europe, and South America are set against a turquoise ground, a popular shade in Peranakan needlework. Roses are also common because of their resemblance to peonies, a traditional symbol of wealth, honour, and love.

This exquisite table cover is adapted into Beaded Collector’s Sheet design. The centre of attraction of the Collector’s Sheet is stamp in the middle which is produced with transparent glass pearls to form the design of the bird with the roses and turquoise background. Surrounding the Collector’s Sheet are needlework stitches to represent delicate needlework and embroidery, and art craft that symbolises our rich heritage.

Credit: Peranakan Museum. Restoration sponsored by BNP Paribus Foundation and BNP Paribus Singapore Branch [2006-01927].