The Peranakan culture, which is well known for its beads, is a rare and unique culture which is slowly fading. The beads, which are a form of the Peranakan handicraft, still retain their beauty and exclusivity, as the beading is handmade by the Peranakan artisans. Peranakan beads are sewed on to slippers by hand and this is a very essential part of the centuries old culture. The beads are imported from Japan and the Czech Republic and are first sewn on a canvas, before mounting on a frame. Rare, finely faceted antique beads are also used on the slippers. The Peranakan beads and the beaded slippers and other products, being traditional art, are being marketed for heritage and tourism purposes as well. One pair of Peranakan slippers, which contains the rare beads, can fetch up to USD 1,500.