The hooks feature a highly auspicious motif of confronting Dragon-fish, forming a half circle, one with a bird-like head (phoenix influence) and the other more serpentine, symbolizing harmony, the union of male (dragon) and female (phoenix), eternal love, fertility, and prosperity. These were specially used on elaborate Peranakans wedding beds (Katil pegantin) to hold up embroidered mosquito nets or silk canopy curtains in the bridal chamber. The small ornate bells at the top would have had chains or cords to suspend the netting.

Peranakan wedding beds were the most lavishly decorated pieces of furniture in the Baba-Nyonya home, covered in gold leaf, mother of pearl inlay and symbolic carvings. Accessories like these silver hooks were commissioned from Chinese silversmiths but blended Straits Chinese tastes- intricate repoussé/chased work, mythical hybrid creatures and strong auspicious symbolism for many sons and a harmonious marriage.