The Singapore Story
Singapore is a congregation point within the Nusantara region, deeply connected culturally with Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei through maritime history and future aspirations. Centuries of migration and trade within the region, and with China and India, have created a unique cultural mosaic where everyone is united as Singaporeans while encouraged to maintain their ancestral affinities.
Inspired by Singapore’s inclusive and harmonious society, the culture-specific motifs embossed on this series of porcelain tableware celebrate the philosophies and aspirations of each ethnic group.
Batik with Parang motif
Collection of the Peranakan Museum, Singapore
Batik Parang
The Parang motif, once exclusively reserved for Javanese royalties, resembles unyielding waves in an ocean and unbreakable relationships. It symbolises resilience in efforts to improve oneself, fight for common prosperity and unity with family.
Showplate with Batik Kawung Motif
Handcrafted by Ceramication in Singapore
Batik Kawung
One of the oldest Javanese batik motifs, this design is believed to be inspired by Kawung palm fruits or Lotus crowns. It symbolises perfection, purity, and holiness. Perfect self-control arises upon enlightenment about the emptiness of worldly passions and desires.
Peacock decoration along Little India, Singapore.
Picture taken from:
https://blog.via.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Little-India.jpg
Princely Peacock
The peacock is intertwined with the Indian culture through religion and mythology. It is a prominent festive motif adorning the streets of Singapore’s Little India, symbolising abundance, beauty, and grace.
A traditional Peranakan Chinese porcelain vessel.
Picture taken from
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1726081638/vintage-red-mun-shou-chinese-porcelainhttps://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1726081638/vintage-red-mun-shou-chinese-porcelain
寿 – Longevity
Ubiquitous in the Chinese culture and found on rooftiles to tableware, this symbol is an abstraction of the Chinese character for longevity. It is believed to bring the bearer good health and wealth accumulation.