If you were in Singapore, there’s a probability that you simply saw the enduring Merlion statue or took silly photos with water pouring out of the mouth. Merlion, standing in all its majesty in Merlion Park, near CBD (Central Business District), is Merlion.
Behind this legendary statue of eccentric creation – with the pinnacle of the lion and the body of the fish – there’s a reputation that you almost certainly have never heard before: Lim Nang Seng. Lim was a pioneer of sculptures in Singapore, and the explanation why Merlion stays a known landmarks of the island state.
Early artistic efforts
Born in Kuching, Sarawak in 1917, it was said that Lim was an exquisite artistic. Initially, he worked as a teacher and gained fame as an artist in 1967, when he accomplished the primary sculpture exhibition in Singapore, Sculpture ’67.
His unique skills led him to develop into a part of the committee, which designed the primary variety of coins in Singapore in the identical 12 months. In the Lim committee he helped create one – % coins. Then he presented his artistic efficiency, putting his works at local art exhibitions, winning handicrafts and organizing carving lessons for most of the people.
At one point, his work was even recognized by S. Rajaratnam, the primary foreign minister in Singapore. In 1975, Lim’s works were exhibited in China together with several other Singapore artists.
One of an important LIM achievements was winning prizes within the handicraft and design competition in Singapore. It was the possession of STPB (Singapore Tourist Promotion Board), the identical organization that got here up with the concept of Merlion and later ordered the limestone to revive.
Carving a merlion
After ordering by STPB LIM, he began his work in November 1971. He composed the trough of the Fondue cement statue and his skin (scales) manufactured from ceramic plates based on the Sai Kheong kwana plan, then vice chancellor of the University of Singapore.
Earlier, Merlion was created in 1964 by a British zoologist, Alec Fraser-Brunner, who was known for his knowledge in the sphere of water life. The tail of fish creature represents the marine origin of Singapore, a fishing village called Temasek (“sea” or “lake” in Malay).
Meanwhile, the pinnacle of the lion is a nod to the legend in Malay Annals, through which the prince sang Nila Utama from the dominion of Sriwijay in Palembang, apparently he saw lions on the banks of the island. That is why he renamed Temasek to Singapura, which implies “lion city”.
Bearing in mind this legend, Lim presented the Grand Singapurean Legend in the shape of a statue standing at the extent of 8.6 meters high and weighing 70 tons. He also made a smaller “Merlion Cub”, which was 2 meters high, near her “mother”.
When making a merlion, Lima was helped by 8 children aged 11–223. Children would help him after they weren’t in school. The elders climbed the scaffolding and made their eyes while the younger made a tail, scales and fins.
One of the sons of Lima, Albert, quoted in New article (Reported by the National Heritage Board), he mentioned this to his father, Merlion “was not only a sculpture for Singapore.” It was also a “lasting gift” for his family.
Other work and heritage
Lim graduated from Merlion in August 1972 a month after its completion, the statue was erected within the mouth of the Singapore river, before it was transferred to at least one Fullerton in 2002, because its pump was corroded by sea water.
Standing majestically against the background of Fullerton Hotel and Raffles Place, a recognized murals was created in miniatures and goods. There are 7 authorized Merlion statues throughout Singapore. In other countries there are even similar statues akin to Giant Merlion Model in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan.
In addition to Merlion, Lim can also be generally known as an individual behind the sculpture of a dancing girl in Seng Poh Garden, Tiong Bahru. In the quantity of 1.2 meters, the sculpture was the primary work of public art in the realm. Lim reportedly finished him in only 2 weeks within the car parking zone at Orchard Road.
The dancing girl presents a lady who performs a dance of the gathering. The National Heritage Board in Singapore tells the incontrovertible fact that the nearby residents recognized the graphic designer for abstraction and looked more like a swan than a lady. Lim was not nervous about these degrading comments, since it was thought that swans were bringing prosperity.
Although in other cases Lim was also often ridiculed due to his artistic style, he never gave in to his passions. His works were even offered over and over at auctions, with one piece, a sculpture called “Women’s head”, selling for the best amount for USD 8,785.
Lim died in Singapore General Hospital in 1987. Although apparently he didn’t earn plenty of money on his art, his work live, bringing Singapore an everlasting sense of pride and joy.
Reference
- Singapore Turism Board. “Celebrating 50 years of Merlion: Stories Leephing the National Icon.” Roots: National Heritage Board. Access on July 14, 2025 https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/celebrating-50-50-of-the-erlion-storyies-behind-the-national-icon/story.
- “Sculptor Merlion”. Luggage. Posted on August 6, 2021. Access on July 14, 2025 https://sgyf.com/the-erlion-sculptor/.
- “Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail”. National Heritage Board. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/places/trails/tiong%20bahru/tiongbahru%20%20(1)).pdf.
