In Singapore, “Baba” means “Chinese man”, and by extension, also refers to the descendents of Chinese communities who settled in Southeast Asia as early as the 14th Century and who, over the centuries, integrated several aspects of Malay culture into their culture of origin. “Baba” also means the head of the family who has integrated elements of European culture through parents and grandparents during colonial times.

The intercultural integration triggered by this process is a lesson in open-mindedness and tolerance and remains extremely relevant today. The exhibition features approximately 480 artefacts of the luxurious and refined culture of the Peranakan Chinese established in Singapore.

The artefacts - furniture, beaded and embroidered textiles, porcelain, etc. – are inspired by the shapes, motifs and colours found in Chinese and Malay cultures and illustrate the Peranakan identity. Most date back to the end of the 19th or the beginning of the 20th century, a time of significant economic growth that brought great wealth to many Singapore Chinese families. It was then that the Peranakan communities reached their peak, which translated in part as an art de vivre revolving around the home, its most important display.