Singapore’s tile treasures
Functional, decorative and inspirational, these fragile objects are a beautiful reminder of Singapore’s past through bust and boom. Imported from around the turn of the century, ceramic tiles were popular for their functionality and design. In the 1920’s and 1930’s, some Chinese-Peranakans in Singapore appeared particularly fond of these elaborate surface coverings, which are hence often referred nowadays as ‘Peranakan’ tiles. Shipped in from countries including Belgium, the UK and Japan, vintage tiles represent an eclectic mosaic of overseas influences and local trends.
Shophouse Tiles
Vintage tiles appear to have found initial popularity in shophouses, narrow two and sometimes three story dwellings commonly with an internal open-air courtyard. Long-lasting in the humid conditions of Singapore, they were used in kitchens, air-wells and facades of such shophouses. Popular places to see tiles include Emerald Hill, Keong Saik Road, Everton Road, Joo Chiat areas and East Coast Road. Take well-deserved rest afterwards by watching the 2008 MediaCorp Channel 8 television series, The Little Nyonya. Spot the elaborately tiled floors of the entire ground floor and courtyard!
Tiles at Temples
Imported tiles also included robust patterned floor types suitable for harsh local conditions, and their use extended to public places including temples, schools and public institutions. A comfortable design marriage between Chinese culture and English floor tiles can be seen at Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Hokkien sites of worship. After paying your respects, check out the lovely floor and wall tile examples that still remain.
Tiles at Clan Houses
Since discovering my personal link to the Lim See Tai Association and their ‘Nine Dragon Hall’, I’ve enjoyed admiring tiles decorating almost every inch of this gorgeous two-story building. Completed in 1928 by prominent China-born building contractor Lim Loh, this clan house was frequented by the Hokkien and Peranakan community including Dr Lim Boon Keng. Say hello to the staff at the front office before entering.
Cemetery Tiles
I also discovered decorative vintage tiles on tombs of my Peranakan relatives at Bukit Brown Cemetery, also known as Singapore’s best ‘outdoor’ museum. In fact, I became so inspired that I’m writing a book about some 200 different tiles uncovered through my Singapore Heritage Tile Project. The cemetery is a wonderful place to learn about Singapore’s history, but is quite overgrown after having been closed to new burials for the last few decades. Unless you are used to bush-bashing in the tropics, I recommend that you join a tour such as those run by volunteer guides, otherwise known as the ‘Brownies’.
Buying Peranakan Tiles
If you’re looking to purchase vintage or replica tiles, you can head to the Peranakan Tiles Gallery in Chinatown. Owner Victor Lim offers a wide range of vintage tiles from England, Belgium and Japan, along with a variety of Peranakan-inspired gifts.
Our Beautiful Past
I hope you’ve learned more about Peranakan tiles in Singapore, and gained an insight into the past embodied in these decorative yet precious objects. No longer produced in the same way that they once were, these ‘ceramic gems’ link us to cross-cultural story of love, design and culture. Enjoy more vintage tiles discoveries by visiting the Singapore Heritage Tile Project on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for reading.
Jennifer
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