Malaysia 2019 Caves

Malaysia 2013 Baba & Nyonya Heritage ( MS Variant )

2013 Miniature Sheet

Malaysia issued stamps themed around Baba & Nyonya heritage on 29 November 2013 to coincide with the 26th Baba Nyonya International Convention.  The miniature sheet used a "die-cut" technique where parts of the paper were cut out to resemble the "Kerawang" (openwork) style of Nyonya embroidery.

On May 10, 2012, the Nyonya Kebaya was officially gazetted as a National Heritage Object by the Malaysian Department of National Heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005. This prestigious recognition coincided with the Nyonya Kebaya embroidery winning the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Handicraft that same year.  This legacy of prestige culminated in 2024, when the Kebaya was officially inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

2014 Gold-Plated Copper

The 2014 Gold Plated Miniature Sheet was a premium, surprise release by Pos Malaysia on December 1, 2014, specifically to commemorate the Kuala Lumpur World Youth Stamp Exhibition (KLWYSE). 

Although it utilizes the same iconic Nyonya Kebaya design from the 2013 Baba Nyonya heritage series, it is technically a 2014 issue and is highly distinct because it is an actual 22K gold-plated copper metal stamp rather than just gold foil or ink. This luxury item was limited to only 5,000 pieces, featuring a face value of RM 50.00, and was sold in a high-quality presentation folder that detailed the history of the Peranakan culture. Unlike many decorative philatelic items, this metal stamp was officially recognized as valid for postage, making it a unique "unusual" material issue that remains a centerpiece for many Malaysian stamp collections today.

2015 Embroidery

The 2015 Baba & Nyonya Heritage (Embroidery) miniature sheet was issued by Pos Malaysia in February 2015 as a premium follow-up to the popular 2013 Baba & Nyonya Heritage stamp series. With a face value of RM35, it was designed mainly as a collector’s item rather than for everyday postal use. What makes this issue especially distinctive is that it incorporates real embroidery stitches into the design, inspired by the traditional Nyonya kebaya, a finely embroidered blouse worn by Peranakan women. Unlike ordinary paper stamps, this miniature sheet combines conventional lithographic printing with textile embroidery techniques, giving it a textured, tactile surface that reflects the craftsmanship of Peranakan artisans.

The miniature sheet measures approximately 85 × 110 mm, with a large central stamp of about 50 × 60 mm, allowing the embroidery details to be clearly appreciated. It was designed by Reign Associates Sdn Bhd and printed by Cartor Security Printing, continuing the same design and production partnership used for earlier Baba & Nyonya issues. Around 10,000 sheets were produced, making it a limited-issue collectible. Although it is technically valid for postage, its high denomination and delicate embroidered surface mean that most collectors preserve it in mint condition

Malaysia 2013 Baba & Nyonya Heritage

The Babas & Nyonyas referred to the descendants of late 15^th to 19^th century Chinese immigrants to the Malay archipelago.  Baba is the address for the men, and Nyonya for the women. 

The Babas & Nyonyas are partially assimilated into the Malay culture, especially in food, dress and spoken language, while retaining some of the Chinese traditions and culture such as religion, name, folk medicine and festivals.

60sen · Nyonyaware

Nyonyaware is characterized by its decorative motives and the most vivid and colourful familiar rose enamels.  The stamp features a covered jar called ‘kamcheng’ – variously used as a container for water, pickles and other types of food.  Also featured are ceramic spoons, plate and cups with features of phoenix and peonies – symbols of prosperity and good fortune.

60sen · Nyonya Beaded Slippers

The beaded slippers is one of the most popular Nyonya object still found today.  The technique of making such footwear is also one of the few crafts leftover from the golden age of the Baba & Nyonya.  The beaded slippers were either opened face or covered.  The popular motives used for the pattern were flowers, birds, butterflies and fruits.

80sen · Malacca Peranakan Townhouse

The typical Baba & Nyonya townhouse features neo-classical pediments, pillars and stucco decorations over windows, combined with the local tradition of timber craftsmanship.  House fronts are usually heavily decorated with brightly colored hand-painted tiles and Chinese characters painted in gold on large black backgrounds.  The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock in Malacca showchases on of the most well-preserved 19^th century Baba & Nyonya residence.

80sen · Baba & Nyonya Wedding Attire

The wedding costume is colourful and elaborate.  The headdress worn by the bride is made out of more than a hundred gold and silver hair pins that are put into the hair to form a crown.  On her chest and wrists she wears numerous jewelry and accessories.  The costumes are made from damask silk and either couched with gold thread or covered with coloured thread embroidery.  The groom’s jacket and hat are that of the Manchu gentry of old China.  he has a traditional Chinese fan on his hand and boots as footwear.

stamps

MS RM5 · Nyonya Kebaya Embroidery

The Nyonya kebaya first appeared only in the early 20^th century.  The early versions features rather simple embroidery work, but later, especially from the 1960s onwards, a more exquisite and intricate embroidery began to emerge.  While the early kebayas are hand sewn, the Nyonya kebaya today is embroidered using the sewing machine with flower motives being the favourite theme.  The miniature sheet feature a Nyonya kebaya, which won the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Handicraft 2012.  The stamp within the miniature sheet feature a composition of Malaysian fruit, with holes cut on the paper resembling the embroidery.

miniature sheet

FDC · Footstool

Footstools ( pelapik kaki ) are ceremonial weeding stool, usually made in pairs.  The wooden base is usually painted red, with 4 cabriole-like legs.  The beadwork cover features colourful embroidery. 

fdc with stamps

fdc with ms

Folder  · Teapot

Teapot is a everyday kitchenware in Baba & Nyonya culture.  Teapots of everyday use are with simple design and colour.  teapots with more exquisite design are normally used in weddings and formal occasions.    

folder

stamp sheets