Singapore 'Merlion'

By Christina Lau Lay Lian, Mouth and Foot Painting Artists

The Merlion, part lion, part fish, rises as a symbol of Singapore's identity. Its lion’s head recalls the legend of Sang Nila Utama, the prince of Palembang, who, upon the shores of Temasek, glimpsed a lion and renamed the island Singapore, “Lion City”, as recorded in the Sejarah Melayu. Beneath the majesty of the lion lies the form of a fish, a tribute to Singapore’s beginnings as a humble fishing village, where tides once shaped the rhythm of daily life. This duality of the Merlion embodies a narrative of transformation, where ancient stories meet modern identity. It stands as an emblem of aspiration, a city shaped by the sea and stirred by legend.

About

After a life-changing car accident in 2005 that left her with C6 spinal cord injury, Christina Lau discovered new ways to express herself through art. Despite being paralysed from her chest down and the loss of finger movements, she transformed her journey from Prison Officer to artist, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Through her artwork, she continues to share her unique perspective, proving that creativity knows no physical bounds.

SKU: MFPA-049

Medium: Watercolour Painting

Dimensions (WxH): 43cm x 33cm