Learn more about some of Singapore’s most spectacular vintage tiles located minutes away from the city centre! Singapore's cross cultural roots can be seen through the surprising presence of rare and unusual vintage ceramic tiles at Bukit Brown Cemetery. Under the thick canopy, you’ll find century-old dragons, dainty fairies and demure milk maids amid hundreds of spectacular designs decorating tombs since the opening of the cemetery in 1922.
Timeless Floral Tributes
According to a local tomb keeper, around 10% of tombs at the cemetery feature decorative ceramic tiles. Early tiles from Europe feature delicate linework characteristic of the Aesthetic movement and most were produced between 1890s and 1910. The first transfer tiles carried only single colours, and then later a Occasionally found at BBC, they are more common at nearby Lao Sua Cemetery. The earliest tile found so far has been found on a tomb dating back to 1905.
Elegant Ladies & Nimble Milkmaids
Glossy majolica tiles embellished with stylised references to nature and life represent the romanticism of the Art Nouveau movement. Elegant ladies, farmyard scenes and fairies are a rare and exciting sight. More commonly found are panels depicting Chinese gods and traditional tales of filial piety.
Real & Imaginary Creatures
From about the 1920s, tiles from Japan began to gain popularity. Japanese makers offered the local overseas Chinese market culturally-specific flowers, fruit and imaginary animals, as well copies of early European designs. Learn more about Feng Shui beliefs and images found in tiles at Bukit Brown in an interview with Lucy Richardson of Feng Shui Focus.
Protecting Our Beautiful Future
The fate of vintage tiles at Bukit Brown Cemetery and surrounding cemeteries is uncertain with the construction of a subway station nearby. With heightened community awareness of this ‘outdoor museum’, it’s hoped that these tiled treasures can continue to be inspiration and a heritage resource for generations to come.
Keen to visit? Learn about how to take a self-guided tour using the Bukit Brown Wayfinder or join volunteer-run tours at All Things Bukit Brown.
Learn more about heritage efforts behind the Singapore Heritage Tile Project
Singapore Heritage Tiles: An International Mosaic of Love'
Capturing the rich mosaic of traditional Chinese culture, overseas influences and local trends, Australian-Singaporean artist Jennifer Lim reveals over 200 stunning vintage tiles restored through community efforts.
Art lovers, design enthusiasts or travel buffs will be captivated by stunning examples inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement, and Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Enjoy a journey to the patterned past and help raise heritage awareness. Order your advance copy