Putting a modern twist on Peranakan heirlooms: Homegrown jeweller Poh Heng celebrates heritage
SINGAPORE – This Christmas, homegrown jeweller, Poh Heng, shines the spotlight on Peranakan culture, as part of the SingapoRediscovers campaign.
From now to 31 December 2020, Poh Heng’s flagship boutique at Orchard Road will see its window display transformed into the facade of a Peranakan House, where Singaporeans will be invited to rediscover their Legacy. The pop-up exhibition will showcase interesting vintage Peranakan jewellery and ornaments from Poh Heng’s archives, juxtaposed against the brand’s modern iteration of Peranakan-inspired pieces from its original Poh Heng Legacy collection.
“When we first heard about the SingapoRediscovers campaign, we immediately knew what we wanted to do to be part of this important cultural journey,” said Pamela Seow, Assistant General Manager, Poh Heng. “We invested in this pop-up exhibition because we wanted to complete the educational and cultural story for Singaporeans and Peranakans alike with what we do best - Jewellery. Poh Heng has a deep and rich history with Singapore and such heritage is to be celebrated.”
The Peranakan Heirloom Jewellery Story
Passed down through generations, heirlooms are treasures that bespeak a family’s legacy, culture and traditions. For Peranakan families, these heirlooms include an array of finely crafted gold jewellery, Victorian-influenced antiques, furniture and nyonya porcelain.
The public will get a peek into Poh Heng’s archives and Singapore’s history through a feature of jewellery dating back to the 1950s. The range includes traditional pieces Peranakans wore to complete their outfits, from gold belts (Tali Pinggang) to sets of chained brooches (Kerongsang).
Jewellery featuring Intan diamonds, jade and pearl will also be on display. One of the more interesting ornaments on display are two gold bolster caps produced by Poh Heng in the 1950s, where Poh Heng’s trademark sits proudly in the centre of each piece.
Poh Heng Legacy: Christmas Edition
Honouring the stories, traditions, and culture of generations before, Poh Heng will also be launching Poh Heng Legacy – Christmas Edition. A follow up to its inaugural collection last year the new set of designs are a special edition of the popular Legacy Floral motif in two different festive colour themes – white gold with sapphires and rose gold with rubies.
This year, in-house designer, Celine Goh, takes cues from the jolly season; combining cherry, iconic Christmas elements with the Legacy motif’s wearable, modern silhouette and intricate Peranakan design.
Inspired and resembling a delicate snowflake, the cool sapphire stones set in 18k white gold enchants and elevates every wearer, on any occasion both casual and formal.
For those drawn to something livelier, the ruby stones set in an irresistible shade of rose gold exudes youth and elegance.
The Poh Heng Legacy – Christmas Edition collection is now available at all Poh Heng boutiques island-wide. The Poh Heng “Rediscover Your Legacy” exhibition will be held at Poh Heng at Orchard Shopping Centre 321 Orchard Road, #01-03 Singapore 238866.
