A Chinese gilt-lacquered wood altar stand or chanab for the Straits or Peranakan market, 19th C.

H 27 - Dia.: 18,5 cm

The chanab was placed in the centre of what was called in a Straits Chinese home, the sam kai altar, the most important altar in the family home. The sam kai altar was used for important ceremonies, particularly weddings. The chanab served as a platform on which upright bamboo skewers of crystallised papaya were placed as altar offerings.

Condition: Wear and superficial losses as visible.