Tiffin Collection

Part of my "Rare Tiffin Collection"

Nyonya Tiffin with "Slamat Makan" wordings

Rare Nyonya Tiffin with intricate design and Tamil inscribe on it. Rare colour and rare design.

Nyonya Tiffin with "Slamat Makan" wordings!!!

"Nyonya Tiffin" made from Czechoslovakia in 1935 period. Intricate enamel work. Rare Collection.

Smallest Tiffin Carrier!!!

Aluminum Tiffin Carrier....Miniature Version!!!!

Peranakan Tiffin!!!

Peranakan Tiffin Carrier used in 1930's. Made in Czechoslovakia. Rare colour "Apple Green" with intricate design. Widely used by Indian family to carried food (lunch) during that period.

Rare Nyonya Tiffin

Name: Enamel Tiffin
Specification: Nyonya Tiffin (Embossed) & Rare Design
Year: 1930's
Made: Czechoslovakia

"Thukku Chatti"

This is another version of tiffin carrier. This was used as tiffin carrier in those days by middle class families and in Tamil it is called "Thukku Chatti". This tiffin consist of a single layer, and normally for rice and side dishes altogether. This was made out of brass and it was produced in different sizes. In India or in Malaya, we can have a rough idea on the labourers in rubber plantations or oil palm plantations where they used to bring food from home for lunch. Some of this are in my collection with Tamil wording written on it.

Lacquer Tiffin Carrier

This tiffin carrier was made in Burma. It is made from jack fruit wood and it is called lacquer tiffin carrier and we bought this tiffin in Penang. There is no Tamil words inscribed on it. According to some sources, this lacquer tiffin was of a favourite to Tamil Chettiar community in those days. It has never being used. Believed to be used in 1970's or earlier. It is a very interesting item!!!

Tiffins.......

Our tiffin's collection. Our collection started with tiffin carriers. We have around 70 different types of tiffins. It ranges from iron tiffin 1920's, Nyonya's 1930's, Japanese occupation 1940's, Brass tiffin 1950's and to the rare types and we are still buying until now!!!

Tiffin "Holland" Made

This tiffin carrier was made in Holland at it was being used in 1950's era. The tiffin on the right has a charcoal container at the bottom.. This type of tiffin carrier is hardly to be seen in antique market. The enamel that was applied is thick and it is heavy to carry. This tiffin was bought in Singapore from a private collector. It has Tamil inscription on it.

Vintage Tiffin Carrier

This was an older type of tiffin carrier which was produced in India and it is believed it had been produced in early 1900's. This particular tiffin carrier has a boiler to put a charcoal at the bottom. It is one of the most rare collection of tiffin carriers that it is difficult to find in any antique shops. The weight of this tiffin itself is around 5kg. It was made purely from iron and brass. Old timers must had been very strong to carry this and the food was served in piping hot using the utensils that comes with the tiffin. It was bought in Penang from an antique seller.

Vintage Brass Tiffin

This vintage brass tiffin weights 4kg and was used in 1930's to 1940's. The shape of this tiffin carrier is very unusual than the most typical antique tiffins in my collection. The interesting part of this tiffin is that the lower part of has a place to put charcoal to heat up the food inside or to maintain the warmth. The most interesting part it was made in India. The way to open this tiffin has a special method to it. At the side top part it has engraved with "price controlled items".

Enamel Tiffin (4 layers) made in Austria

Description:
Dark blue enamel tiffin carrier with four layers made in Austria. It's believed to be used in the 1950's era with the tamil inscription which mentioned about the family name.

Brass Tiffin (4 layers) Made in India

This brass tiffin carrier has four layers with a little container for pickles (acar) on top. The tiffin was made in India with the production mark engraved.



The interesting part of this tiffin carrier, it was scribbled in Burmese wordings. Its believe to be used in Burma in the 60's by Indian migrants there. The weight of this tiffin is roughly above 1 kg with brass holder.

Brass Tiffin (3 layers) Made in India

Brass tiffin carrier which has three layers and was polished by a seller. It was made in India and used in the 60's. If you look closely at the picture, you will notice that even the holder was made from brass and the shape looked modern.

The interesting part of this tiffin is that it was attached with a small container at the top to store pickles (acar) and it comes without a spoon. The weight of this tiffin around is around 1kg. It was purchased in Penang.

Brass Tiffin (3 layers) Made in India

This tiffin carrier was made in India and it has the year of production engraved on it. It is believe that it was being used in the 60's in India and it was introduced in Malaya by the Indian migrants. The interesting part of this tiffin is it comes with a brass spoon. Most of the time the spoon will go missing!!!

The weight of this tiffin itself is around 1kg. Just imagine after adding food inside. It is proven that people back then were very strong.