A walk down Singapore's Armenian street is incomplete without visiting the Peranakan Museum. Located in a heritage building, the museum stands out in opulence showcasing the rich traditions and history of this race. Peranakans are the descendants of the 17th century Chinese traders who married local women. Known by their love for florals and bright colors, a walk through the museum transports you to a scintillating world of radiant hues. Even today, these vivid influences can be seen in the heritage areas of Singapore such as Katong and Joo Chiat .
 |
| The entrance to the Peranakan Museum |
Located amid a row of colorful shop houses, the museum exhibits the rich history of a bygone era. The outside façade is painted in light pastels that radiates a fresh feel. As the intricate gates open , the pillars adorned with blue painted birds welcome the visitors. Through the traditional doors, the colorful world of the Peranakans beckons.
 |
| Peranakan Museum |
Talking about colors, this large sign greeted me as I walked through the door. The word Peranakan was painted in varied hues and gave a picturesque sneak peak . I knew then that this museum tour would be like none other.
I walked up the staircase and came across different galleries showcasing varied traditions and artwork . As a turned back, the colorful motifs on the walls look resplendent .
Distinctly divided into ten galleries, the culture and heritage of the Peranakans is displayed in its pristine glory. Their Intricate and traditional artwork is showcased in the cloth embroidery, porcelain ware , dresses, shoes and jewelry.
 |
| Peranakan Artwork |
Most of the artwork is influenced by floral prints. From beadwork to the nonya ware (porcelain), flowers motifs are given tremendous importance. Painstakingly made, each piece in the Peranakan museum is a work of art.
What intrigued me the most among the varied artwork was the colorful Nonyaware . History states, that Nonyware was brought by the Peranakan Chinese in the mid 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, a period of 80 years. The earliest pieces were produced by the Daoguang reign (1821-1850) of the Quing Dynasty in China. Like the other Peranakan artwork, the beautiful Nonyaware also has floral prints and Chinese mythological characters.
 |
| Nonyaware |
 |
| Nonyaware with Chinese mythological characters |
Moving on from the Nonyaware, the designs on the walls caught my fancy next. These black and white monochromes resembled traditional shop houses that are still seen in many heritage pockets of Singapore.
While the monochromes looked classy, some of the other walls were colorfully adored with painted butterflies. They looked so pretty and girly, so I had to take a selfie here :) I was trying a new mode in my camera, which made me glow.. a bit too much! Heh heh.
<![]()
From here, I walked through the different galleries. While reveling in the intricate art work, I came across the silverware and jewelry section.
 |
| Silverware |
Many of the vintage items here have brought together from different parts of Asia like Malacca, Indonesia and China which in turns strengthens the fact that the Peranakan culture left its footprints far and wide.
 |
| Peranakan Charms |
Golden charms such as these were used to cast away evil sprits and protect the wearer. This charm is painstakingly carved with auspicious Chinese symbols .
Like other vintage artwork in the museum, these sandals too reflected the workmanship that the Peranakans are so famous for. Beads and golden floral exuded a royal resonance and meant that these sandals were possibly worn for special occasions like weddings.
I loved these colorful lanterns that had beautiful designs on them. Walking through these halls, transported me back in time to a majestic world that was not only colorful but awe inspiring as well. For its only through history, that we find our mojo.
39 Armenian Street
Singapore 179941