Waist belt decorated with gold and 19 polished tiger's claws

Belt with polished tiger nails set in refined gold filigree work. The belt is sewn on a silk background to strengthen it. The clasp depicts a butterfly, the other links depict lions and birds. Jewelry with tiger nails was worn as an amulet. Peranakan Chinese believed that wearing this would offer protection from this strong animal. The gold ornaments were made by Chinese craftsmen.