Memories of Old Singapore
A Heritage Series by Qua
ABOUT THE COLLECTION
These heritage icons tell the story of how people lived, worked, gathered, and cared for one another in old Singapore (early 1900s) — reminding us that the foundations of the city were built not only by grand plans, but by everyday lives and traditions.
Engraved on wood, these familiar icons take on a tactile form, bringing depth, texture, and warmth to each piece. Placed in your daily spaces, they become more than decoration — they are quiet reminders of shared experiences, cultural rhythms, and stories that continue to live on.
A thoughtful wood-engraved magnet that transforms familiar scenes into a meaningful keepsake, perfect for sharing a piece of Singapore or keeping as a personal memory.
Small in size, rich in meaning.
Made to be seen, every day.
Samsui Woman
Dressed in her distinctive red headscarf and dark-blue or black samfu, she laboured on construction sites and in households, playing a vital role in building early Singapore.
Bullock Cart
Once a common sight along early roads and town streets, the bullock cart was a humble yet essential form of transport in old Singapore.
Hawker Cart
The roots of Singapore’s beloved hawker culture. Before permanent hawker centres were built, many street hawkers sold food from simple pushcarts along busy streets and neighbourhood lanes.
Tingkat
Used to transport home-cooked meals to family members at work, it speaks to domestic life, representing care and resourcefulness.
Singaporean Shophouse
Narrow in form yet rich in detail, these buildings combined commerce and home under one roof, with families living upstairs and businesses operating below.
Chinese Opera
A vibrant expression of shared ritual and folklore, bringing moral tales to life through color and song.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Lydia Soon
"My background in architecture always draws me back to the rhythmic life of our historic shophouses. After exploring the Chinese Heritage Centre, I was moved by the preserved living quarters, seeing how entire lives were carved out of tiny, cramped rooms filled with humble, everyday items. Hearing a friend’s grandmother recount her endurance as a Samsui woman further deepened my desire to honor that quiet strength.
This collection is my emotional reflection on Old Singapore. I have hand-drawn each icon before engraving them into wood to translate these stories into tactile wooden keepsakes. I poured my heart into this series because I truly treasure the heritage that built the Singapore of today. Whether for yourself or a loved one, I hope these gifts deeply resonate with you."
Featured post
Memories of Old Singapore Collection: A Heritage Journey
There are certain memories that don’t fade; they simply settle into the background of who we are. They are found in the sound of a passing cart, the familiarity of...
