The Signature Pond at Haw Par Villa

Title
The Signature Pond at Haw Par Villa
Year/Period
1970s-1980s
Region
Singapore
Dimension
Image size: 7 x 10.2 cm
Accession No.
1998-00327-001

Amid artful pagodas, kiosks, sculptures and statues that are on display at Haw Par Villa, the Signature Pond stands out. Viewed from a height, the contours of the pond - otherwise known as the Winding Lily Pond - are in the shape of the ancient calligraphic character for ‘Aw’, the surname of the owner of Haw Par Villa. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the gardens was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who was also synonymous with Tiger Balm, the renowned ointment that was successfully marketed in Singapore and around the region.