The long cultural and artistic history of China has produced a large number of original and distinctive artistic achievements. One that is quickly recognised is cinnabar lacquer, with its distinctive red colour, sometimes referred to as China red, sealing wax red, or vermilion.
Nyonya ware is the term used to describe the distinctive, brightly coloured porcelains commissioned for the exclusive use of the Straits Chinese communities. Nyonya porcelain is entirely different, with no reference to any other class of Chinese porcelain produced. It is distinguished by a relatively small range of robust colours and a preference for a predominant decoration, the phoenix and the peony.