The Merlion is a well-known icon of Singapore, conceived as a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body. The fish alludes to Singapore's beginnings as a fishing village, while the lion refers to the sighting of a lion in Temasek by Sang Nila Utama, leading him to rename the island Singapura ("lion city" in Sanskrit). The Merlion thus depicts both Singapore's origin story and its fantastical transformations. Over the years, Singaporeans have affectionately adopted it as our mascot and national icon.
Artist: Lim Nang Seng
Material: Cement, porcelain plates, red teacups
Year: 1972
