Handmade Daoist and Buddhist statues (Est. 1840)

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西天園佛舖

Papa in shop.jpg

Hello

Handmade Taoist and Buddhist statues (Est. 1840)

35 Neil Road, Singapore 088821

Opening hours:

10am to 9pm daily

* As we are a small family-run business, our opening hours may vary slightly. Please call before visiting.

+65 91262074

saytianhng@gmail.com

Even when picking TOTO numbers, Ah Ma’s precision shows 😅 She selected every number only after much deliberation and, in spite of the glaucoma that has made her blind in one eye, made sure her pencil markings didn’t exceed the tiny boxes 🎯
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#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Even when picking TOTO numbers, Ah Ma’s precision shows 😅 She selected every number only after much deliberation and, in spite of the glaucoma that has made her blind in one eye, made sure her pencil markings didn’t exceed the tiny boxes 🎯
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Explore the gods of Singapore’s underbelly on this twilight stroll through the nameless backalleys of the Central Business District, as we cross from sunset into night, Yang into Yin.

Not free on the above date? You can suggest a date that works for you. Details in link in bio.

In the tour, we will visit ramshackle Taoist street shrines set up lovingly next to dumpsters and under air-conditioner compressors, where the statues have aged, but the fruit offerings are still fresh.

We will learn the stories of their devotee yet hidden communities, comprising cardboard collectors, office secretaries, and hawkers.

We will learn how street shrines evolve, as their devotees play cat and mouse with government authorities, before the most efficacious among them evolve into temples.

We will learn about rituals that use everyday objects charged with poetic meanings, such as umbrellas, abacus, opium pipes & Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. (You’ll never drink it the same way again.)

We will spy a secret Goddess of Mercy statue, chilling out quietly on a roof ledge. We will learn a different side of the usual nation-building story of Singapore.

The tour is secular in nature and suitable for guests of all religions and races. No prior knowledge of Taoism is required.

Starting point: Entrance of Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, Riverwalk shopping mall, 20 Upper Circular Rd, Singapore 058416. This is a 2min walk from Clarke Quay MRT station.

Ending point: A motorcycle parking lot somewhere in Tanjong Pagar.

Developed in partnership with @offbeatsingapore 🙌🏼
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Explore the gods of Singapore’s underbelly on this twilight stroll through the nameless backalleys of the Central Business District, as we cross from sunset into night, Yang into Yin.

Not free on the above date? You can suggest a date that works for you. Details in link in bio.

In the tour, we will visit ramshackle Taoist street shrines set up lovingly next to dumpsters and under air-conditioner compressors, where the statues have aged, but the fruit offerings are still fresh.

We will learn the stories of their devotee yet hidden communities, comprising cardboard collectors, office secretaries, and hawkers.

We will learn how street shrines evolve, as their devotees play cat and mouse with government authorities, before the most efficacious among them evolve into temples.

We will learn about rituals that use everyday objects charged with poetic meanings, such as umbrellas, abacus, opium pipes & Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. (You’ll never drink it the same way again.)

We will spy a secret Goddess of Mercy statue, chilling out quietly on a roof ledge. We will learn a different side of the usual nation-building story of Singapore.

The tour is secular in nature and suitable for guests of all religions and races. No prior knowledge of Taoism is required.

Starting point: Entrance of Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, Riverwalk shopping mall, 20 Upper Circular Rd, Singapore 058416. This is a 2min walk from Clarke Quay MRT station.

Ending point: A motorcycle parking lot somewhere in Tanjong Pagar.

Developed in partnership with @offbeatsingapore 🙌🏼
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

What’s hanging on our mini laundry line today…
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

What’s hanging on our mini laundry line today…
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Woah, why is this deity pointing a middle finger at us?

Meet Wang Tianjun (王天君), also known as Wang Tian Lingguan (王天灵官), a celestial general who occupies an important position in the Taoist pantheon. His responsibility: Regulating the cosmic forces, such as thunder, lightning, and disease. Devotees sought his protection during times of floods and pestilence, which happened often in ancient times. It’s not like you could go get yourself a Covid vaccine.

In his right hand, he cracks a whip (神鞭), symbolizing his ability to subdue the wild elements. In his left hand, he, erm, gives the one-finger salute 😂 But it’s not meant to be offensive.

It is a mudra, one of the many symbolic hand gestures found in Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism that carry spiritual significance. Often used in rituals, meditation, and art, they are believed to channel the body’s energy or convey certain intentions, emotions, or states of mind.

This specific mudra represents the act of driving away evil and malevolent forces.

Hmmm… kinda similar to how we mortals use it nowadays!
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Photo: Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop Archival Collection

#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Woah, why is this deity pointing a middle finger at us?

Meet Wang Tianjun (王天君), also known as Wang Tian Lingguan (王天灵官), a celestial general who occupies an important position in the Taoist pantheon. His responsibility: Regulating the cosmic forces, such as thunder, lightning, and disease. Devotees sought his protection during times of floods and pestilence, which happened often in ancient times. It’s not like you could go get yourself a Covid vaccine.

In his right hand, he cracks a whip (神鞭), symbolizing his ability to subdue the wild elements. In his left hand, he, erm, gives the one-finger salute 😂 But it’s not meant to be offensive.

It is a mudra, one of the many symbolic hand gestures found in Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism that carry spiritual significance. Often used in rituals, meditation, and art, they are believed to channel the body’s energy or convey certain intentions, emotions, or states of mind.

This specific mudra represents the act of driving away evil and malevolent forces.

Hmmm… kinda similar to how we mortals use it nowadays!
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.
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Photo: Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop Archival Collection

#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Once upon a time, an army officer ordered this statue of a Sea Dragon King from us. Soon after, he was promoted!

He came back to order another one. He was promoted again.

He ordered a 3rd, got promoted, ordered a 4th, and got promoted again!

But when he came back to order a 5th, our late Ah Gong turned down his request.

Why? In Taoist mythology, there are traditionally only 4 Sea Dragon Kings (龙王), each ruling over one of the 4 seas that surround China.

They are:

1. Ao Guang (敖广) of the East Sea, associated with the East China Sea.
2. Ao Qin (敖钦) of the South Sea, associated with the South China Sea.
3. Ao Run (敖闰) of the West Sea, associated with Qinghai Lake or the Indian Ocean.
4. Ao Shun (敖顺) of the North Sea, associated with Bohai Sea.

The customer had wanted to make a Dragon King for a 5th sea, the Central Sea.

Poor Ah Gong had never heard of such a sea!

We imagine him saying something to the effect of, bruh, isn’t centre where China is supposed to be? 😅

It’s a cute story passed down the generations in our family, so take it with a pinch of salt and in good humour :)

5th Sea Dragon King or not, we are sure our dear repeat customer got promoted anyway on his own merit. Well done, Sir!

Photo: Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop Archival Collection
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Once upon a time, an army officer ordered this statue of a Sea Dragon King from us. Soon after, he was promoted!

He came back to order another one. He was promoted again.

He ordered a 3rd, got promoted, ordered a 4th, and got promoted again!

But when he came back to order a 5th, our late Ah Gong turned down his request.

Why? In Taoist mythology, there are traditionally only 4 Sea Dragon Kings (龙王), each ruling over one of the 4 seas that surround China.

They are:

1. Ao Guang (敖广) of the East Sea, associated with the East China Sea.
2. Ao Qin (敖钦) of the South Sea, associated with the South China Sea.
3. Ao Run (敖闰) of the West Sea, associated with Qinghai Lake or the Indian Ocean.
4. Ao Shun (敖顺) of the North Sea, associated with Bohai Sea.

The customer had wanted to make a Dragon King for a 5th sea, the Central Sea.

Poor Ah Gong had never heard of such a sea!

We imagine him saying something to the effect of, bruh, isn’t centre where China is supposed to be? 😅

It’s a cute story passed down the generations in our family, so take it with a pinch of salt and in good humour :)

5th Sea Dragon King or not, we are sure our dear repeat customer got promoted anyway on his own merit. Well done, Sir!

Photo: Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop Archival Collection
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

A few times a week, Papa switches off all the fans in the shop when it’s time to gild (ie. apply featherlight foils of real gold onto the statues). It gets really stuffy, but it’s worth it: We don’t want the delicate gold flakes to get blown away!

Why are Taoist and Buddhist statues gold in the first place?

Gold is a material that does not tarnish over time, representing eternity.

Its brightness draws the attention of devotees, evoking a sense of awe and a sacred atmosphere, whether in a grand temple or humble home.

It is an offering of man’s most prized possession to the heavens.

The more commonly-used method to turn statues into gold is using gold paint.

But paint doesn’t shine as bright nor last as long. Over years, gold paint often fades into a dull darkish yellow.

Gilding is costlier and takes longer. But if humans use real gold to make jewellery for ourselves, the same should apply for the divine, so that its lustre - and all the beautiful symbolism it represents - can last.

Photos by @papapiglet
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

A few times a week, Papa switches off all the fans in the shop when it’s time to gild (ie. apply featherlight foils of real gold onto the statues). It gets really stuffy, but it’s worth it: We don’t want the delicate gold flakes to get blown away!

Why are Taoist and Buddhist statues gold in the first place?

Gold is a material that does not tarnish over time, representing eternity.

Its brightness draws the attention of devotees, evoking a sense of awe and a sacred atmosphere, whether in a grand temple or humble home.

It is an offering of man’s most prized possession to the heavens.

The more commonly-used method to turn statues into gold is using gold paint.

But paint doesn’t shine as bright nor last as long. Over years, gold paint often fades into a dull darkish yellow.

Gilding is costlier and takes longer. But if humans use real gold to make jewellery for ourselves, the same should apply for the divine, so that its lustre - and all the beautiful symbolism it represents - can last.

Photos by @papapiglet
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Beards used to be made with horse hair. Nowadays, it’s one of Ah Ma and Papa’s most closely-guarded trade secrets. Why?

Beards are not easy to make. Without the right technique, they may end up looking unnaturally straight (like a rebonded beard!), unnaturally thick (like a hippie’s dreadlocks), or appear as five separate clumps (like ponytails).

Real beard is wispy, entangled and strikes the right balance between neat and unruly. Shrunk to the size of a miniature statue, a beard must be of an even finer “resolution”.

But why do beards matter? In Taoism, hair is considered the outer extension of the body’s nervous system, which is why long hair is common. In Taoist statues, the beard is usually the only place where this idea can be expressed, since the hair on the top of the head is usually covered under helmets and hats, or simply painted on.

It augments what the deity needs to project, be it a warrior’s sternness, an emperor’s stature, or a sage’s wisdom.
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Beards used to be made with horse hair. Nowadays, it’s one of Ah Ma and Papa’s most closely-guarded trade secrets. Why?

Beards are not easy to make. Without the right technique, they may end up looking unnaturally straight (like a rebonded beard!), unnaturally thick (like a hippie’s dreadlocks), or appear as five separate clumps (like ponytails).

Real beard is wispy, entangled and strikes the right balance between neat and unruly. Shrunk to the size of a miniature statue, a beard must be of an even finer “resolution”.

But why do beards matter? In Taoism, hair is considered the outer extension of the body’s nervous system, which is why long hair is common. In Taoist statues, the beard is usually the only place where this idea can be expressed, since the hair on the top of the head is usually covered under helmets and hats, or simply painted on.

It augments what the deity needs to project, be it a warrior’s sternness, an emperor’s stature, or a sage’s wisdom.
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Paint until blur 😅
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Paint until blur 😅
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

In a world of divisions, this is what makes Singapore special: When a Hindu statue is lovingly lugged to a Taoist statue shop to be repaired - by Taoist customers.

Happy National Day week to all of us who make Singapore home!
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton #ndp2024 #nationaldaysg #sgnationalday #ganesha #hindu

In a world of divisions, this is what makes Singapore special: When a Hindu statue is lovingly lugged to a Taoist statue shop to be repaired - by Taoist customers.

Happy National Day week to all of us who make Singapore home!
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton #ndp2024 #nationaldaysg #sgnationalday #ganesha #hindu

Hands clasped in reverence but playfully perched on one leg like in a yoga class, 善财童子 (Shan Cai Tong Zi) is one of the best-known acolytes of the iconic Goddess of Mercy.

In one of the many versions of his origin story, he is a boy from a wealthy family who visits 53 teachers in a determined attempt to seek truth and wisdom. His teachers included monks, gods and ordinary folks, reflecting how wisdom can be found in many places.

In our shop’s traditional iconography, his youth is captured in his eyebrows, which are neither white and wispy like the elderly Tua Peh Kong nor ferocious like the warrior Guan Gong, but thin, black and ending in a cheeky squiggle.

His skin tone is not the paler beige of elderly deities nor the sun-kissed beige of mighty warriors, but the gentle pinkish beige of a child.

Instead of bulky armour or elegant regalia, he dons a bareback肚兜, an undergarment typically worn by children in ancient China.

“Embroidered” on the “cloth” are intricate motifs of blossoming peonies, swirling clouds and leaping ocean waves depicted with thin threads of holy joss stick ash. The handcrafting is painstaking, for the statue is only 10 inches tall.

In his perfectly-balanced stance, one can be reminded of the broader theme of finding equilibrium.

And in the lotus flower atop which he stands, we are reminded of how purity can bloom, even if one was once stuck in the sticky mud of worldly attachments.

These soft and playful elements provide the balance to the resolve and calm in his eyes: He is a boy with eyes of a sage.
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Photos by @papapiglet

#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Hands clasped in reverence but playfully perched on one leg like in a yoga class, 善财童子 (Shan Cai Tong Zi) is one of the best-known acolytes of the iconic Goddess of Mercy.

In one of the many versions of his origin story, he is a boy from a wealthy family who visits 53 teachers in a determined attempt to seek truth and wisdom. His teachers included monks, gods and ordinary folks, reflecting how wisdom can be found in many places.

In our shop’s traditional iconography, his youth is captured in his eyebrows, which are neither white and wispy like the elderly Tua Peh Kong nor ferocious like the warrior Guan Gong, but thin, black and ending in a cheeky squiggle.

His skin tone is not the paler beige of elderly deities nor the sun-kissed beige of mighty warriors, but the gentle pinkish beige of a child.

Instead of bulky armour or elegant regalia, he dons a bareback肚兜, an undergarment typically worn by children in ancient China.

“Embroidered” on the “cloth” are intricate motifs of blossoming peonies, swirling clouds and leaping ocean waves depicted with thin threads of holy joss stick ash. The handcrafting is painstaking, for the statue is only 10 inches tall.

In his perfectly-balanced stance, one can be reminded of the broader theme of finding equilibrium.

And in the lotus flower atop which he stands, we are reminded of how purity can bloom, even if one was once stuck in the sticky mud of worldly attachments.

These soft and playful elements provide the balance to the resolve and calm in his eyes: He is a boy with eyes of a sage.
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Photos by @papapiglet

#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Just an OG chilling on a gentrifying street.

Many people ask Ah Ma how she feels about us being one of the oldest shops here, amid the changes. Indeed, it seems like there’s a new tenant arriving or an old tenant leaving every month on Neil Road.

But she just smiles and shrugs.

She has probably seen more changes than we can imagine.
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Just an OG chilling on a gentrifying street.

Many people ask Ah Ma how she feels about us being one of the oldest shops here, amid the changes. Indeed, it seems like there’s a new tenant arriving or an old tenant leaving every month on Neil Road.

But she just smiles and shrugs.

She has probably seen more changes than we can imagine.
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

In the early “blockish” stage, it looks a bit like a Minecraft / Roblox / Lego figure. But later, the intricate details get put on, eg. the motifs of dragons, clouds, ocean waves, flowers and pavilion on the robes, and the armour plates on the shoulder and thigh.

These motifs are made using very fine threads made of holy joss stick ash (collected after the joss sticks are burnt up). It’s an early Qing Dynasty technique called thread sculpture that we still use at our 128-year-old family business.

It’s a laborious handcrafting process… this status is only 8 inches tall, about the height of a small mineral water bottle 😅

Photos: @papapiglet
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

In the early “blockish” stage, it looks a bit like a Minecraft / Roblox / Lego figure. But later, the intricate details get put on, eg. the motifs of dragons, clouds, ocean waves, flowers and pavilion on the robes, and the armour plates on the shoulder and thigh.

These motifs are made using very fine threads made of holy joss stick ash (collected after the joss sticks are burnt up). It’s an early Qing Dynasty technique called thread sculpture that we still use at our 128-year-old family business.

It’s a laborious handcrafting process… this status is only 8 inches tall, about the height of a small mineral water bottle 😅

Photos: @papapiglet
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

No, this Guan Yin is neither injured nor wearing a kitchen mitten.

Our overseas customers used to come from nearby: Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, etc. They’d hop on a coach, ferry or plane, to drop off and/or pick up.

Now, with FB, IG and Reddit, they’re coming from further afield too: France, Spain, Wales, Tennessee, etc. Which means we got to learn a new skill: How to pack our statues for shipping. Even an old business needs to learn new skills 😅

This Guan Yin was shipped off today to Chesapeare village, Ohio (population 765). In a couple of days, she should be soaring through the heavens, albeit in our upcycled Maggi Concentrated Chicken Stock box.

(Yeah, next skill to learn is probably branding.)
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

No, this Guan Yin is neither injured nor wearing a kitchen mitten.

Our overseas customers used to come from nearby: Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, etc. They’d hop on a coach, ferry or plane, to drop off and/or pick up.

Now, with FB, IG and Reddit, they’re coming from further afield too: France, Spain, Wales, Tennessee, etc. Which means we got to learn a new skill: How to pack our statues for shipping. Even an old business needs to learn new skills 😅

This Guan Yin was shipped off today to Chesapeare village, Ohio (population 765). In a couple of days, she should be soaring through the heavens, albeit in our upcycled Maggi Concentrated Chicken Stock box.

(Yeah, next skill to learn is probably branding.)
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Awkward father-son heart-to-heart talk 😅

Interviewed Papa as part of @MentalkingSG, a Father’s Day contest just launched by the @LienFoundation, which is encouraging Singaporeans to muster up the courage to interview their fathers or father figures.

It did take more courage than I expected, but it was definitely worth it, creating this precious little memory ❤️

Contest details at @LienFoundation. If it helps, tell dad it’s for a chance to win prizes worth a total of $3,000!

#mentalkingsg

Awkward father-son heart-to-heart talk 😅

Interviewed Papa as part of @MentalkingSG, a Father’s Day contest just launched by the @LienFoundation, which is encouraging Singaporeans to muster up the courage to interview their fathers or father figures.

It did take more courage than I expected, but it was definitely worth it, creating this precious little memory ❤️

Contest details at @LienFoundation. If it helps, tell dad it’s for a chance to win prizes worth a total of $3,000!

#mentalkingsg

Armour-clad but barefoot, Xuan Wu sits on a kaleidoscopic rock ledge, comfortably resting his feet on the sturdy shell of a tortoise and soft body of a serpent.

In his right hand, he holds a sword decorated with the Big Dipper, the asterism made of 7 bright stars from the Ursa Minor constellation. His skin tone is of a warmer biege, as befitting of a warrior. His long hair sweeps down his back.

One of the highest-ranking deities in the Taoist pantheon, Xuan Wu (“Dark Warrior”) has a myriad of origin stories.

In one, he is a butcher-turned-ascetic, after realising the many innocent lives he had taken away.

In another, he is associated with the northern direction, the border that China always struggled to protect from invaders throughout its history.

The intricate motifs on his armour and robes are not carved, but made from the twirling and coiling of tiny dough thread made from sacred joss stick ash, an early Qing Dynasty technique that is listed as one of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. After the incense smoke lifts your prayers up to the gods, the ash falls, and is used to make the clothes of the very gods you pray to.

Lovingly hand-crafted at Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop (Est. 1896).

Photos: @papapiglet
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Armour-clad but barefoot, Xuan Wu sits on a kaleidoscopic rock ledge, comfortably resting his feet on the sturdy shell of a tortoise and soft body of a serpent.

In his right hand, he holds a sword decorated with the Big Dipper, the asterism made of 7 bright stars from the Ursa Minor constellation. His skin tone is of a warmer biege, as befitting of a warrior. His long hair sweeps down his back.

One of the highest-ranking deities in the Taoist pantheon, Xuan Wu (“Dark Warrior”) has a myriad of origin stories.

In one, he is a butcher-turned-ascetic, after realising the many innocent lives he had taken away.

In another, he is associated with the northern direction, the border that China always struggled to protect from invaders throughout its history.

The intricate motifs on his armour and robes are not carved, but made from the twirling and coiling of tiny dough thread made from sacred joss stick ash, an early Qing Dynasty technique that is listed as one of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. After the incense smoke lifts your prayers up to the gods, the ash falls, and is used to make the clothes of the very gods you pray to.

Lovingly hand-crafted at Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop (Est. 1896).

Photos: @papapiglet
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Papa restoring an almost life-sized 水尾圣娘 for a Changi temple in the 90s. Known as Goddess of the Waterfront, it’s a deity of the Hainanese community and commonly worshipped alongside妈祖, the Goddess of the Sea.

Correction: An earlier version of this post mentioned 水尾圣娘 and 妈祖 are different names of the same deity. That is incorrect. Thank you @heyladtour for pointing it out! 🙏🏼
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

Papa restoring an almost life-sized 水尾圣娘 for a Changi temple in the 90s. Known as Goddess of the Waterfront, it’s a deity of the Hainanese community and commonly worshipped alongside妈祖, the Goddess of the Sea.

Correction: An earlier version of this post mentioned 水尾圣娘 and 妈祖 are different names of the same deity. That is incorrect. Thank you @heyladtour for pointing it out! 🙏🏼
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

For a long time, we wanted to do product photography, but never found the time (nor the skills!)

Until we met @papapiglet, who volunteered to do so for us.

Check out her first set, shot right in the shop yesterday.

It’s a restoration piece, i.e. it was not made at the shop, but sent to us for a makeover.

Instead of the more commonly-found seated pose, Guan Gong here is poised atop a rock ledge, ready for combat.

He holds the 50kg Green Dragon Crescent Blade steady in just one hand, as his headwear and robes gilded in real gold flutter in the wind.

His gaze, under eyebrows drawn in Say Tian Hng’s signature style to resemble a pair of phoenixes, is fearless and unflinching.

His beard is frizzy and life-like.

Red marks on vital points are a sign that the statue has been consecrated - the last step in our restoration process.

See you again, maybe in a decade or two!
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

For a long time, we wanted to do product photography, but never found the time (nor the skills!)

Until we met @papapiglet, who volunteered to do so for us.

Check out her first set, shot right in the shop yesterday.

It’s a restoration piece, i.e. it was not made at the shop, but sent to us for a makeover.

Instead of the more commonly-found seated pose, Guan Gong here is poised atop a rock ledge, ready for combat.

He holds the 50kg Green Dragon Crescent Blade steady in just one hand, as his headwear and robes gilded in real gold flutter in the wind.

His gaze, under eyebrows drawn in Say Tian Hng’s signature style to resemble a pair of phoenixes, is fearless and unflinching.

His beard is frizzy and life-like.

Red marks on vital points are a sign that the statue has been consecrated - the last step in our restoration process.

See you again, maybe in a decade or two!
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

At 93, Ah Ma still comes to the shop every day, as she has been doing since she was sweet 18 and married our late Ah Gong.

Her paint lines are jagged now as she is blind in one eye due to glaucoma but Papa’s always there, ready to touch up.

When night falls and Neil Road’s neon lights come on, she’ll pop out to suss out the revelers, then amber back in bemused.

Never was much of a party animal. Never had the chance to be, really.

Photos by @papapiglet
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

At 93, Ah Ma still comes to the shop every day, as she has been doing since she was sweet 18 and married our late Ah Gong.

Her paint lines are jagged now as she is blind in one eye due to glaucoma but Papa’s always there, ready to touch up.

When night falls and Neil Road’s neon lights come on, she’ll pop out to suss out the revelers, then amber back in bemused.

Never was much of a party animal. Never had the chance to be, really.

Photos by @papapiglet
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#traveldeeper #exploresingapore #singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #passionmadepossible #VisitSingapore #singaporeheritage #chineseculture #traditionalcraft #singaporetemple #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #singaporeinsiders #homofaberway #sgbuddhist #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #ourduxton

This Sunday afternoon, I’ll be giving a personal sharing about my grandma’s shop, Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop (est. 1896) at @OCBCbank Wisma Atria. Come by if you are free! - Tze Yong, 4th-generation apprentice craftsman.

Time: Sun 3 March, 4.30pm-5.30pm

Location: OCBC integrated lifestyle and banking branch, Wisma Atria, #04-01, 435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877

Cost: Talk is free and seats available on a first-come-first-served basis. No pre-registration required.

Synopsis: After 4 years helming a charity, Ng Tze Yong joined his family business as its 4th-generation apprentice craftsman, picking up an ancient craft from his 93-year-old grandmother and 72-year-old dad.

Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop, one of Singapore's oldest heritage businesses, hand-crafts wooden effigies of Taoist and Buddhist deities using technique dating back to the early Qing Dynasty that is listed as an official Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.

In this personal sharing, Tze Yong will take you on his unconventional journey, giving a glimpse into the secrets of the ancient craft, which revolves around a splendidly-inclusive cast of characters comprising fearsome warlords, fair maidens, drunken monks and filial parrots.

He will describe the iconography that is critical to the accurate identification of individuals within this cast, utilising a myriad of headwear, robes, armour, weapons, eye brows, skin tones, beards, and even sideburns.

He will share about the family's innovation efforts, kick-started as a thesis project at New York's Parsons School of Design.

It was a journey involving a Monkey God redesign competition, turning his grandma into a mini star on Airbnb, the use of technology used in medical aesthetics, and the set-up of a contemporary education arm to help modern kids fall in love with ancient legends.

The sharing will comprise a 40min presentation via slides and a 20min Q&A.

This talk is part of our collaboration with @artoutreachsingapore’s show
"Modern Wisdoms," which showcases fine art prints that reinterpret Chinese folklore by local urban artists @antz_rscls, @cosmicchai, and @lewischooliwei. It is now on at OCBC Wisma Atria till 30 Apr.

This Sunday afternoon, I’ll be giving a personal sharing about my grandma’s shop, Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop (est. 1896) at @OCBCbank Wisma Atria. Come by if you are free! - Tze Yong, 4th-generation apprentice craftsman.

Time: Sun 3 March, 4.30pm-5.30pm

Location: OCBC integrated lifestyle and banking branch, Wisma Atria, #04-01, 435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877

Cost: Talk is free and seats available on a first-come-first-served basis. No pre-registration required.

Synopsis: After 4 years helming a charity, Ng Tze Yong joined his family business as its 4th-generation apprentice craftsman, picking up an ancient craft from his 93-year-old grandmother and 72-year-old dad.

Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop, one of Singapore's oldest heritage businesses, hand-crafts wooden effigies of Taoist and Buddhist deities using technique dating back to the early Qing Dynasty that is listed as an official Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.

In this personal sharing, Tze Yong will take you on his unconventional journey, giving a glimpse into the secrets of the ancient craft, which revolves around a splendidly-inclusive cast of characters comprising fearsome warlords, fair maidens, drunken monks and filial parrots.

He will describe the iconography that is critical to the accurate identification of individuals within this cast, utilising a myriad of headwear, robes, armour, weapons, eye brows, skin tones, beards, and even sideburns.

He will share about the family's innovation efforts, kick-started as a thesis project at New York's Parsons School of Design.

It was a journey involving a Monkey God redesign competition, turning his grandma into a mini star on Airbnb, the use of technology used in medical aesthetics, and the set-up of a contemporary education arm to help modern kids fall in love with ancient legends.

The sharing will comprise a 40min presentation via slides and a 20min Q&A.

This talk is part of our collaboration with @artoutreachsingapore’s show
"Modern Wisdoms," which showcases fine art prints that reinterpret Chinese folklore by local urban artists @antz_rscls, @cosmicchai, and @lewischooliwei. It is now on at OCBC Wisma Atria till 30 Apr.

Ah Ma has a place to go every day in old age. It’s a benefit of the entrepreneur’s life not many realise, which is that when you have your own business, you will never be forced to retire against your will.

You will always have a place to go, a station in life, something to do, instead of staying at home. You remain in control of your life.

Ah Ma went to daycare centres for a while, but never liked it. Waste of time, she complained. She would rather tend to the shop.

Even if all she did was just sit there, she told us, it means we don’t have to close the shop doors when Papa goes out for errands, and we can be ready to receive business.

Still a hustler, even at 93 years old!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #fyp #fypage #foryoupage #foryourpage #startuplife #hustle #entrepreneur #healthiersg

Ah Ma has a place to go every day in old age. It’s a benefit of the entrepreneur’s life not many realise, which is that when you have your own business, you will never be forced to retire against your will.

You will always have a place to go, a station in life, something to do, instead of staying at home. You remain in control of your life.

Ah Ma went to daycare centres for a while, but never liked it. Waste of time, she complained. She would rather tend to the shop.

Even if all she did was just sit there, she told us, it means we don’t have to close the shop doors when Papa goes out for errands, and we can be ready to receive business.

Still a hustler, even at 93 years old!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #fyp #fypage #foryoupage #foryourpage #startuplife #hustle #entrepreneur #healthiersg

Here’s the story of how a woman saved the world - 4,500 years ago.

Meet“Mysterious Maiden of the 9th Heaven” (九天玄女). Unlike most goddesses who are dressed in robes, she is clad in armour. Instead of vases or beads, she holds a sword in one hand and a gourd filled with the elixir of immortality with the other.

But in place of a warrior’s helmet, she wears a dainty headpiece shaped like a bird.

Around 2500BC, the fate of the Han people hung in the balance.

At the Battle of Zhuolu, the 2nd battle in recorded Chinese history, the Yellow Emperor (黄帝) was about to be defeated by a fearsome enemy named Chiyou (a beast with human speech qualities who could summon the wind and rain).

九天玄女was hurriedly despatched from heaven by the Queen Mother of the West (西王母) to earth to teach 黄帝Taoist magic arts. The tide of the battle was turned, and the Han people saved from annihilation.

She has an even more cheem-sounding name: The Goddess of the Empyrean.

“Empyrean” comes from medieval Latin, meaning “in or on the fire (pyr)”. In ancient cosmology, “Empyrean” refers to the highest level of heaven, which is filled with light. It is where 九天玄女comes from.

Her headwear is a reference to one of her forms - a bird with a woman’s head. The ability to fly allows her to traverse between heaven and earth.

Our statue can’t fly, but it will be getting on a flight soon halfway around the world - to our customer in Vancouver!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #fyp #fypage #foryoupage #foryourpage

Here’s the story of how a woman saved the world - 4,500 years ago.

Meet“Mysterious Maiden of the 9th Heaven” (九天玄女). Unlike most goddesses who are dressed in robes, she is clad in armour. Instead of vases or beads, she holds a sword in one hand and a gourd filled with the elixir of immortality with the other.

But in place of a warrior’s helmet, she wears a dainty headpiece shaped like a bird.

Around 2500BC, the fate of the Han people hung in the balance.

At the Battle of Zhuolu, the 2nd battle in recorded Chinese history, the Yellow Emperor (黄帝) was about to be defeated by a fearsome enemy named Chiyou (a beast with human speech qualities who could summon the wind and rain).

九天玄女was hurriedly despatched from heaven by the Queen Mother of the West (西王母) to earth to teach 黄帝Taoist magic arts. The tide of the battle was turned, and the Han people saved from annihilation.

She has an even more cheem-sounding name: The Goddess of the Empyrean.

“Empyrean” comes from medieval Latin, meaning “in or on the fire (pyr)”. In ancient cosmology, “Empyrean” refers to the highest level of heaven, which is filled with light. It is where 九天玄女comes from.

Her headwear is a reference to one of her forms - a bird with a woman’s head. The ability to fly allows her to traverse between heaven and earth.

Our statue can’t fly, but it will be getting on a flight soon halfway around the world - to our customer in Vancouver!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #fyp #fypage #foryoupage #foryourpage

This Guan Yin statue awaits to board her flight at Kuching International Airport, Sarawak. Her destination: Ah Ma’s shop.

It is the beloved heirloom of our customer, having watched over the family for 38 years. But it had suffered wear and tear over the years, and our customer was in a dilemma.

She didn’t want to change it for a new statue, as the statue has been with her family through the ups and downs in life.

After learning about our restoration services from a livestream by @qianyu.sg, she got on a flight. She will fly back to collect the statue after restoration is complete in a few weeks.

By then, the statue will look like how it looked in 1986, the first day it entered the family home 🥰
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #fyp #fypage #foryoupage #foryourpage

This Guan Yin statue awaits to board her flight at Kuching International Airport, Sarawak. Her destination: Ah Ma’s shop.

It is the beloved heirloom of our customer, having watched over the family for 38 years. But it had suffered wear and tear over the years, and our customer was in a dilemma.

She didn’t want to change it for a new statue, as the statue has been with her family through the ups and downs in life.

After learning about our restoration services from a livestream by @qianyu.sg, she got on a flight. She will fly back to collect the statue after restoration is complete in a few weeks.

By then, the statue will look like how it looked in 1986, the first day it entered the family home 🥰
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #fyp #fypage #foryoupage #foryourpage

A factory sent this large (and very heavy!) Tua Peh Kong statue for us to restore recently. He had clearly been watching over the factory for a long time: His robe was now “tattered” with the motifs of the elegant crane, swirling clouds and stormy waves falling apart in many places. His face had turned black and his eyes could not be seen anymore. The gold ingots and sceptre had lost their shine.

All these were beautiful though, the evidence of the incense and devotion he had received over the years. Our job was to give him a makeover: new clothes, beard, “facial”, throne, hat, shoes, ingots, etc. Took a while, since the work was done by hand.

But now that he is back at the factory, he hope he is the brightest and most beautiful part of the factory once more, watching over our customers, keeping them healthy and safe!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #fyp #fypage #foryoupage #foryourpage

A factory sent this large (and very heavy!) Tua Peh Kong statue for us to restore recently. He had clearly been watching over the factory for a long time: His robe was now “tattered” with the motifs of the elegant crane, swirling clouds and stormy waves falling apart in many places. His face had turned black and his eyes could not be seen anymore. The gold ingots and sceptre had lost their shine.

All these were beautiful though, the evidence of the incense and devotion he had received over the years. Our job was to give him a makeover: new clothes, beard, “facial”, throne, hat, shoes, ingots, etc. Took a while, since the work was done by hand.

But now that he is back at the factory, he hope he is the brightest and most beautiful part of the factory once more, watching over our customers, keeping them healthy and safe!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg #fyp #fypage #foryoupage #foryourpage

The next item on our to-do list 😍
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

The next item on our to-do list 😍
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

In 2024, we turn 128. In the past year, one of the best things was seeing, often to our surprise, what our shop means to others beyond the family.

Sometimes, it was a connection to culture and identity our old shop helped to rekindle. At other times, it seemed simpler: Just being a familiar sight on a street that keeps changing.

Whatever it was and whoever it was whose lives we had the privilege to touch, thank you, because you touched us too by giving us more reasons to hang on. May the fire of our bonds continue to burn brightly, like Ah Ma’s bonfire!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

In 2024, we turn 128. In the past year, one of the best things was seeing, often to our surprise, what our shop means to others beyond the family.

Sometimes, it was a connection to culture and identity our old shop helped to rekindle. At other times, it seemed simpler: Just being a familiar sight on a street that keeps changing.

Whatever it was and whoever it was whose lives we had the privilege to touch, thank you, because you touched us too by giving us more reasons to hang on. May the fire of our bonds continue to burn brightly, like Ah Ma’s bonfire!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

Before Tinder, there was Yue Lao (月老), aka the Old Man Under The Moon.

People prayed to him for a soul mate, in an era when most marriages were pre-arranged.

He holds a book named the Book of Marriage (姻缘簿, Yin Yuan Bu), which contains a list of all predestined couples.

He appears under the moon and ties red silk cords to the ankles of predestined couples, so they can find each other one day. Once connected, this cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. It is akin to the Western concept of soulmates.

Unlike many other deities, he is not a warrior or bureaucrat, just an elderly gentleman. Instead of armour or regalia, he is dressed in humble robes and a simple headpiece. Instead of a weapon, he holds an old twisted walking stick. His gaze is kind and steady, providing hope to the loveless!

This piece was commissioned by our American customer as a gift for a therapist friend who works with couples.

We hope the thread helps the therapy!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

Before Tinder, there was Yue Lao (月老), aka the Old Man Under The Moon.

People prayed to him for a soul mate, in an era when most marriages were pre-arranged.

He holds a book named the Book of Marriage (姻缘簿, Yin Yuan Bu), which contains a list of all predestined couples.

He appears under the moon and ties red silk cords to the ankles of predestined couples, so they can find each other one day. Once connected, this cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. It is akin to the Western concept of soulmates.

Unlike many other deities, he is not a warrior or bureaucrat, just an elderly gentleman. Instead of armour or regalia, he is dressed in humble robes and a simple headpiece. Instead of a weapon, he holds an old twisted walking stick. His gaze is kind and steady, providing hope to the loveless!

This piece was commissioned by our American customer as a gift for a therapist friend who works with couples.

We hope the thread helps the therapy!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

TGIF
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

TGIF
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #ThisisSG #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

Do not try this at home. This, being reaching for an antique Taoist statue.

On tip toes.

Atop a sloping ladder.

On slippery slippers.

It appears Papa is following in the footsteps of Ah Ma (see post on 16 Oct).

But running a workshop alone is tough. Papa hand-crafts the statues, manages the finance, mans the customer hotline (ie. his HP), fixes the roof, clears the rubbish, and a million other things.

Which includes taking care of Ah Ma, who is also doing things you shouldn’t try at home 😵
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

Do not try this at home. This, being reaching for an antique Taoist statue.

On tip toes.

Atop a sloping ladder.

On slippery slippers.

It appears Papa is following in the footsteps of Ah Ma (see post on 16 Oct).

But running a workshop alone is tough. Papa hand-crafts the statues, manages the finance, mans the customer hotline (ie. his HP), fixes the roof, clears the rubbish, and a million other things.

Which includes taking care of Ah Ma, who is also doing things you shouldn’t try at home 😵
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

[School holiday workshops] Guan Yin’s birthday falls on this Thurs 🎉🎂 Give your kids the opportunity to learn about her beautiful legend and the important life value of 慈 (kindness) via our bilingual, non-religious and experiential learning workshop.

Parents are welcome to sit in to observe (and learn a thing or two yourself!)

Workshop date: Mon 20 Nov
10.30am - 12.30pm
Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St, #03-08, S199918

Not free on the above date? We have other workshops and dates. Check them out via link in bio.

Taught in a blend of Chinese and English.

$45 per child.

For ages 7-10.

Activities include:

- An exercise in forgiveness set to meditative music, helping children intentionally experience the sensation of forgiving - and being forgiven.

- A mock pilgrimage in the classroom.

- Understanding the meaning of the name Guan Yin, which literally translates into Seeing Sound. Just how do you see a sound?

- Retelling of Guan Yin’s origin story, whereby she was a princess kicked out of the palace by her father (the king), but returned in disguise to cure him of an illness by sacrificing her hands, an act which moved the heavens. She was given thousands of hands in return.

- Deconstruct the meaning of mercy (慈悲), whereby 慈(ci2) refers to a sincere desire for others to be happy, and 悲(bei1) refers to a wish for others to be rescued from pain.

- Compare the depictions of Guan Yin found in different countries.

- Compare the different poses of Guan Yin, eg. standing, sitting, holding a child, etc.

- Explain how Guan Yin used to be depicted as a male, and why that changed.

- Origami exercise involving the lotus, the flower associated with Guan Yin, and the 4 virtues it embodies.

- Understanding and role-playing the tradition of burning the first incense at midnight on the first day of the Lunar Near Year.

- Understanding and role-playing the tradition of seeking divination lots (求签).

- Appreciating the tradition of 添香油, involving the refilling of oil lamps in temples.

- Retelling the origin story of the white parrot often seen beside Guan Yin, as told in the ancient text 鹦鸽宝撰 (The Precious Scroll of the Parrot)

Book via link in bio.

[School holiday workshops] Guan Yin’s birthday falls on this Thurs 🎉🎂 Give your kids the opportunity to learn about her beautiful legend and the important life value of 慈 (kindness) via our bilingual, non-religious and experiential learning workshop.

Parents are welcome to sit in to observe (and learn a thing or two yourself!)

Workshop date: Mon 20 Nov
10.30am - 12.30pm
Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St, #03-08, S199918

Not free on the above date? We have other workshops and dates. Check them out via link in bio.

Taught in a blend of Chinese and English.

$45 per child.

For ages 7-10.

Activities include:

- An exercise in forgiveness set to meditative music, helping children intentionally experience the sensation of forgiving - and being forgiven.

- A mock pilgrimage in the classroom.

- Understanding the meaning of the name Guan Yin, which literally translates into Seeing Sound. Just how do you see a sound?

- Retelling of Guan Yin’s origin story, whereby she was a princess kicked out of the palace by her father (the king), but returned in disguise to cure him of an illness by sacrificing her hands, an act which moved the heavens. She was given thousands of hands in return.

- Deconstruct the meaning of mercy (慈悲), whereby 慈(ci2) refers to a sincere desire for others to be happy, and 悲(bei1) refers to a wish for others to be rescued from pain.

- Compare the depictions of Guan Yin found in different countries.

- Compare the different poses of Guan Yin, eg. standing, sitting, holding a child, etc.

- Explain how Guan Yin used to be depicted as a male, and why that changed.

- Origami exercise involving the lotus, the flower associated with Guan Yin, and the 4 virtues it embodies.

- Understanding and role-playing the tradition of burning the first incense at midnight on the first day of the Lunar Near Year.

- Understanding and role-playing the tradition of seeking divination lots (求签).

- Appreciating the tradition of 添香油, involving the refilling of oil lamps in temples.

- Retelling the origin story of the white parrot often seen beside Guan Yin, as told in the ancient text 鹦鸽宝撰 (The Precious Scroll of the Parrot)

Book via link in bio.

What is the book that Guan Gong holds?

The book is the 春秋 (Spring and Autumn Annals).

It is part of the famous 四书五经 (Four Books and Five Classics), the 9 classical Chinese texts that encapsulate Confucian thought.

The 春秋is hardly a riveting read: It is an annal, which is a yearly record of events in the State of Lu, Confucius's native state, over a 241-year period from 722–481 BC.

However, because it was once believed to be compiled by Confucius himself, the Annals became so important that the period it chronicled was named after the book, ie. the Spring and Autumn period.

Born in 160 AD, Guan Gong lived almost 700 years later, during the waning days of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Essentially, he is reading a history book about a time 700 years before he lived.

Can you imagine us doing the equivalent today?

It’s not so hard. A book written 700 years ago would be…

wait for it…

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms!
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#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

What is the book that Guan Gong holds?

The book is the 春秋 (Spring and Autumn Annals).

It is part of the famous 四书五经 (Four Books and Five Classics), the 9 classical Chinese texts that encapsulate Confucian thought.

The 春秋is hardly a riveting read: It is an annal, which is a yearly record of events in the State of Lu, Confucius's native state, over a 241-year period from 722–481 BC.

However, because it was once believed to be compiled by Confucius himself, the Annals became so important that the period it chronicled was named after the book, ie. the Spring and Autumn period.

Born in 160 AD, Guan Gong lived almost 700 years later, during the waning days of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Essentially, he is reading a history book about a time 700 years before he lived.

Can you imagine us doing the equivalent today?

It’s not so hard. A book written 700 years ago would be…

wait for it…

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms!
.
.
.
#singaporeinsiders
#thingstodoinsingapore #madeinsingapore #supportlocalsg #singaporeheritage #expatlivingsg #sgtravel #discoversingapore #letsexploresg #travelsingapore #sgcultureanywhere #sggowhere #exploresg

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