Discovering the Intan in Joo Chiat
If you find yourself exploring the charming, pastel-hued streets of Singapore’s Joo Chiat neighborhood, a visit to the home of collector Alvin Yapp is a must. On the ground floor, you’ll encounter The Intan, a captivating museum that showcases an impressive collection of Peranakan treasures. Among the remarkable artifacts are two magnificent engraved rosewood armchairs adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl inlay.
The Intan is not just a museum; it is a vibrant emporium filled with an eclectic mix of Peranakan design. Mr. Yapp has dedicated over 30 years to curating this collection, which features an array of items such as:
- Exquisite jewelry
- Elegant teak benches and cabinets
- Colorful kitchenware
His passion lies in documenting and celebrating the rich culture of the Peranakan people, who are descendants of Chinese settlers that migrated down the Strait of Malacca as early as the 15th century. These settlers established their homes across Southeast Asia and intermarried with local women, giving rise to a unique culture.
The term Peranakan translates to “local born” in Malay, one of Singapore’s official languages. The culture that flourished within these communities beautifully blends Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences, evident in various aspects of life, including food, design, and architecture.
Signs of Peranakan heritage are prominently displayed throughout Singapore’s vibrant cityscape. The colorful shophouses that line the streets of Joo Chiat and the bustling hawker centers serving delectable dishes like laksa—a spicy, tangy noodle soup—are testaments to this rich cultural legacy. Furthermore, classic Peranakan patterns, characterized by vivid geometric designs that merge Art Deco elements with Chinese floral, fruit, or animal motifs, have inspired various crafts and clothing. Notably, these motifs can even be seen in the uniforms of Singapore Airlines flight attendants.
For those looking to take a piece of this heritage home, you can find Intan-themed tumblers designed by Mr. Yapp available at Starbucks locations across the city-state, embodying the spirit of Peranakan culture in everyday items.
