04/07/2026
Five Ornate Chanaps in Different Shapes and Themes.
五種風格不同的饌盒:造型與吉祥題材的藝術呈現
Among the finest decorative furnishings commissioned by affluent Peranakan families in Melaka and Penang were the chanaps (饌盒), ceremonial presentation stands and ornate serving platforms that occupied a prominent position within reception halls, ancestral spaces, and upon the Samkai offering table. Beyond their practical function as stands for porcelain, tea wares, flower arrangements, or celebratory offerings, chanaps embodied the aspirations, values, and cultural refinement of the Straits Chinese community.
馬六甲與檳城富裕峇峇娘惹家族的常見陳設器物之中,饌盒(Chanap)堪稱最為精美華麗的代表之一。此類禮儀陳設臺座廣泛陳列於大廳、祖先廳堂以及三界公(天公)供桌之上,佔據空間中的顯要位置。饌盒不僅作為瓷器、茶具、花卉及節慶供品的承托器具,更承載著海峽華人社群對福澤、家聲與文化品味的追求與寄託。
Distinguished by their varied silhouettes, symbolic iconography, and intricate craftsmanship, these include tortoiseshell-shaped, hexagonal, rectangular, octagonal, and lobed forms, each enriched with auspicious narratives derived from Chinese history, literature, and folklore.
饌盒造型豐富多樣,兼具象徵寓意與精湛工藝,常見形式包括龜甲形、六角形、長方形及花葉形等。其裝飾題材多取材自中國歷史掌故、文學典籍與民間傳說,以寓意吉祥的故事場景寄託對家族興旺、福壽綿延的美好願景。
The tortoiseshell-shaped chanap, inspired by the geometric pattern of the tortoise shell, was especially esteemed as a symbol of longevity, resilience, and heavenly blessing. This chanap features the celebrated scene of 「郭子儀拜壽」, depicting the grand birthday celebration of Guo Ziyi, the illustrious Tang dynasty general revered as the embodiment of prosperity, honour, longevity, and the flourishing of successive generations.
龜甲形饌盒以龜殼紋理為靈感,其造型尤受推崇,被視為長壽、堅韌與天賜福澤的象徵。飾以「郭子儀拜壽」圖景,描繪唐代名將郭子儀壽宴盛況。郭子儀素被視為富貴榮華、福壽雙全及子孫昌盛的化身,因此成為華人傳統裝飾藝術中最受歡迎的吉祥題材之一。
Hexagonal chanaps are distinguished by their balanced architectural proportions, embellished with scenes of 「麻姑獻壽桃」, portraying the immortal maiden Magu presenting peaches of immortality to celebrate a celestial birthday.
六角形饌盒則以端莊勻稱的結構比例見長,裝飾題材為「麻姑獻壽桃」。畫面描繪仙女麻姑手捧仙桃,前往天界祝賀壽辰,以此寓意身體康健、福壽綿長,以及來自天界的祥瑞庇佑。
Rectangular chanaps are among the most versatile and imposing examples, here depicting the heroic narrative of 「薛仁貴出征」. The celebrated Tang dynasty general Xue Rengui is shown departing for military campaign accompanied by retainers, mounted warriors, banners, and attendants, symbolising loyalty, courage, perseverance, and honourable achievement.
長方形饌盒則屬於最為用途廣泛的類型,其裝飾題材為「薛仁貴出征」。畫中唐代名將薛仁貴率領隨從、騎兵與旗幟儀仗整裝待發,展現忠誠、勇毅、堅忍不拔與功業顯達的精神內涵,寄寓主人建功立業、光宗耀祖的理想。
The rarest and most priced lobed or foliate chanaps bear the auspicious theme of 「福祿壽喜財」. This assemblage of blessings encompasses happiness, official success, longevity, joyous occasions, and material abundance, reflecting the aspirations of Peranakan families for prosperity across successive generations.
花葉形饌盒飾以「福祿壽喜財」題材,集福氣、官祿、長壽、喜慶與財富於一體,寄寓家族繁榮興盛、世代昌隆、福澤不絕的美好願景,充分體現峇峇娘惹家庭對家道永續與子孫昌盛的期盼。
A distinctive characteristic shared by many chanaps is the inclusion of a pair of swivelling guardian lions positioned beneath the platform. These exquisitely carved lions serve not merely as embellishments but also as potent symbols of authority, protection, and auspicious guardianship.
許多饌盒的臺座下方常雕有一對可旋轉的瑞獅。這些雕工精湛的祥獅不僅作為裝飾細節,更被賦予鎮宅辟邪、彰顯權威與護佑吉祥的重要寓意。
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