Boat head with eye, 1982 : general view



Photograph

01 Jan 1982

Photographed By Kouo, Shang-Wei, 1924-1988

Information About

This photograph shows the head of a bumboat on the Singapore River, with eyes painted on its sides in a combination of red, white and green colourings. These "painted eyes" presumably enable the bumboats to observe dangers ahead. A row of old shophouses along Boat Quay can be seen in the background. Title devised by Library staff.


Additional Details

Credit Line
All rights reserved, Family of Kouo Shang-Wei and National Library Board Singapore 2007

More to Explore

Bumboats at Singapore River : general view

Bumboats at Singapore River : general view

IMAGE

This photograph shows some bumboats at Singapore River. In the foreground is a bumboat with "painted eyes" that enable it to 'see' any danger ahead. Title devised by Library staff. Date of creation estimated....

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [3]

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [3]

IMAGE

This photograph is a composite of 2 images showing different parts of a bumboat, on the Singapore River. A partial view of old shop houses at Boat Quay can be seen in the background. Title devised by Library staff....

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [2]

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [2]

IMAGE

This photograph is a composite of 2 images showing different parts of a bumboat, on the Singapore River. A partial view of old shophouses at Boat Quay can be seen in the background. Title devised by Library staff...

Bumboats on the Singapore River, 1982 : general view [2]

Bumboats on the Singapore River, 1982 : general view [2]

IMAGE

In this photograph, a bumboat (also called twakow or tongkang) laden with cargo is sailing along the Singapore River. It is believed that the "painted eyes" on the boat enable it to 'see' any danger ahead. On both sides of the Singapore River, we can see similar boats docked too....

Bumboats on the Singapore River, 1982 : general view [1]

Bumboats on the Singapore River, 1982 : general view [1]

IMAGE

In this photograph, a bumboat (also called twakow or tongkang) is sailing along the Singapore River. On both sides of the Singapore River, we can see similar boats docked too. In the background, the low-rise shophouses of Boat Quay can be seen and some construction activity is still ongoing at...

Bumboats in Singapore River : general view [2]

Bumboats in Singapore River : general view [2]

IMAGE

This slide shows a section of the Singapore River crowded with numerous bumboats. In the background are rows of old shophouses. Title devised by Library staff. Date of creation estimated....

Artist at work by the Singapore River : close-up

Artist at work by the Singapore River : close-up

IMAGE

This coloured slide is a close-up view of an artist working on a painting of bumboats on the Singapore River....

Bumboats in Singapore River : general view [1]

Bumboats in Singapore River : general view [1]

IMAGE

Taken in bright sunshine, this slide shows a section of the Singapore River crowded with numerous bumboats, one of which is loaded with goods. In the background are rows of old shophouses. Title devised by Library staff. Date of creation estimated....

Singapore River in 1964 : general view [3]

Singapore River in 1964 : general view [3]

IMAGE

This photograph shows bumboats moored along the sides of the Singapore River, near Boat Quay, in the 1960s. A lone person is rowing a boat along the centre of the River. The buildings in the background constitute the financial centre of Singapore. Title devised by Library staff....

Boat Quay no. 53 windows : close-up

Boat Quay no. 53 windows : close-up

IMAGE

This 1982 photograph shows a close-up of the first floor windows, of shophouse no. 53 Boat Quay. Boat Quay is located along the Singapore River. Title devised by Library staff....