This pair of 'dou' are traditional Chinese architectural bearing blocks that were parts of a dou gong (bracket set), and were used to support the gong (either jutting or crossed arms) that are set in them. The bracket set functions as bracket system to transfer the load from the horizontal member above (i.e. the roof and tiles) to the vertical member (i.e. column) below. This pair of traditional Chinese architectural structures is supposed to have come from buildings (low-rise shophouses or warehouses) in the old Clarke Quay area facing the Singapore river.
