A Chinese Straits or Peranakan market gilded and lacquered wood offering box, 19th C.

Dim.: 34 x 26 x 13,5 cm

The chanab was placed in the centre of each Straits Chinese family’s sam kai altar, the most important altar in the family home. The sam kai altar was used for important ceremonies, particularly weddings. When not in use, the six-sided black lacquered box was placed over the chanab to protect it.