Rare Antique Straits Chinese Peranakan Solid Silver Large Belt Buckle, Malaysia & Singapore c.1890

This is a rare large antique Straits Chinese Peranakan solid silver belt buckle (pending/pinding), Malaysia & Singapore c.1890. The Straits Silver is a fusion of the Chinese and Malay cultures. This was worn by the Straits Chinese (Chinese communities that settled along the Malacca Strait regions in the mid-19th century - the Malay peninsula and Singapore) as part of their official dress or at a wedding ceremony. This belt buckle is richly decorated with embossed foliage and animals. The God of Longevity (Shoulao) and a deer at the center, surrounded by eight figures, probably the eight Taoist immortals. The outer borders are embellished with mythical creatures, fish, crabs and peonies. There are two silver marks on the reverse. the bottom mark 足银 translates as 'full silver' or pure silver, the top mark is the artisan's chop mark. Tested and the silver is at least 90% purity. It is in excellent condition and made with thick gauge silver. Peace Of Mind Guarantee: ● We only sell genuine vintage and antiques ● We accept returns and give full refunds ● Worldwide expedited shipping