Phoenix
2021
Paper cut
20 x 20 cm

The Peranakan tile was popularised in the early 20th century in Singapore as a form of embellishment, commonly used in domestic settings as a decorative expression of one’s affluence. Although most of the Peranakan tiles we see in Singapore today were made in Japan, they are adorned with motifs deemed auspicious to the Straits Chinese community.

This paper cutting recreates a popular tile design featuring the phoenix. Known as the bird of the south in Chinese mythology, the phoenix symbolises the Peranakan community who set up home in Southeast Asia.

This piece has been acquired.