Lion King Sculpture – A Roaring Work of Art in Wood at Gardens by the Bay

By -

At the entrance of the Cloud Forest dome in Gardens by the Bay, a massive wooden lion greets visitors, not with a growl, but with awe. Titled “Lion King”, this majestic sculpture is not from a Disney tale, but from the skilled hands of Chinese master sculptor Li Kai, and carved from a single trunk of Golden Silk Nanmu wood.

With its intricate detailing, regal posture, and sheer scale, Lion King stands as one of the most striking artistic installations in the entire Gardens by the Bay precinct.

Lion King Sculpture - Singapore
Lion King Sculpture - Singapore


🦁 A Lion Born from a Tree

What makes Lion King unique is its material and method. It is sculpted entirely from a single trunk of Golden Silk Nanmu, a highly prized timber native to southern China, known for its soft golden sheen when polished and its silk-thread-like grain that becomes visible under light.

Nanmu wood, particularly the golden silk variety, has been historically used for imperial construction, including the Forbidden City in 15th-century China, owing to its rarity, resistance to decay, and unique visual texture.

Lion King Sculpture - Singapore
Lion King Sculpture - Singapore


🎨 About the Sculpture

  • Title: Lion King

  • Artist: Li Kai

  • Origin: Fujian, China

  • Medium: Golden Silk Nanmu wood

  • Location: Outside Cloud Forest Dome, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

The sculpture features a roaring lion in mid-pounce, with remarkable anatomical precision. Nestled among the lion's flowing mane are playful cherubic figures, adding an unexpected yet symbolic dimension, perhaps alluding to harmony between strength and innocence, or protection through power.

The level of craftsmanship is evident in every curve of the lion’s body, from its rippling muscles to the expressive eyes and detailed paws. It invites viewers to walk around and admire it from every angle, with natural light playing off the polished wood to reveal layers of tone and texture.

🏛 A Cultural Bridge in a Futuristic Garden

Positioned near the glass-and-steel architecture of the Cloud Forest dome, Lion King offers a compelling contrast between tradition and modernity. It reflects how Asian heritage and natural materials can still claim their place in contemporary public spaces.

For visitors, it becomes a moment of pause, right before entering the Cloud Forest’s misty mountain and Avatar-themed wonders.

📍 Visitor Information

  • Where to find it: Just outside the entrance to Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay

  • Entry Fee: Viewing the sculpture is free (outside the ticketed dome)

  • Best time to view: Daytime for natural light to enhance the wood’s luster

  • Nearby attractions: Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, Supertree Grove

In a city that celebrates vertical gardens and digital blooms, “Lion King” reminds us of the timeless power of handcrafted art and nature's own materials. Whether you admire it for its technical perfection, cultural story, or sheer grandeur, this sculpture is a must-see for art lovers, photographers, and heritage enthusiasts alike.

Next time you visit Gardens by the Bay, don't rush past the Cloud Forest entrance. Pause to meet the king; you’ll be surprised by how much life a piece of wood can hold.

Happy travelling.

You may also like on Indian Columbus:



Location: Singapore

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Rare Navapashanam Murugan Temple in Chennai – Hidden Gem of Hastinapuram

By -
Image
Navapashanam Murugan at Hastinapuram temple, Chennai When we think of Navapashanam deities ,  known for their medicinal and spiritual significance,  our minds often go to the ancient and sacred shrine at Palani . However, tucked away in the quiet locality of Hastinapuram near Chrompet in Chennai lies a relatively unknown temple where Lord Murugan is enshrined as a Navapashanam icon —an unexpected find in a bustling metropolitan city. What is Navapashanam? Navapashanam refers to a rare amalgamation of nine sacred herbal and mineral elements believed to possess immense healing powers. The tradition of crafting icons from Navapashanam is attributed to Siddhar Bhogar , a legendary saint closely associated with Lord Murugan worship. Temples featuring these unique deities are exceptionally rare, making the discovery of such a shrine in Chennai truly remarkable. Navapashanam Murugan at Hastinapuram temple, Chennai The Temple at Hastinapuram Located in Hastinapuram , a developing...
Read more

A Hidden Shrine in the Heart of Chennai – The Nimishamba Temple of Sowcarpet

By -
Image
Entrance of Nimishamba Temple in Sowcarpet, Chennai Chennai, often hailed as the gateway to South India, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. While it is known for its iconic temples, colonial-era landmarks, museums, and beaches, the city also hides lesser-known treasures tucked away in its bustling neighborhoods. One such hidden gem is the Nimishamba Temple , located in the congested lanes of Kasi Chetty Street in Sowcarpet , a commercial hub in North Chennai. Who is Nimishamba? Nimishamba is a revered form of Goddess Parvati , the consort of Lord Shiva. The name 'Nimishamba' comes from the Sanskrit word nimisha , meaning ‘minute.’ It is believed that the Goddess responds to her devotees’ prayers and dispels their troubles within a minute—thus earning her the name Nimishamba . According to legend, Muktharaja , a king from the Somavanshi Mutharasa dynasty, was once granted a divine boon that Nimishamba would appear within a minute to aid him in battle ag...
Read more

The Tallest Murugan of Chennai

By -
Image
Consecrated in March 2021, the 40 feet high Bala Murugan icon at Saveetha Medical College campus is the tallest image of Murugan in Chennai. Malaysia has 140 feet tall Murugan. In April 2022, the 146 feet tall image of Murugan was consecrated near Salem in Tamil Nadu. However, they are all stucco images. But, the one that we find on the college campus is a monolithic granite icon. Thus, it is the tallest stone icon of Murugan in the entire world. A stone weighing 320 tonnes was brought from Siruvambur near Wallajah, and it was carved to 140 tonnes to get this beautiful and gigantic sculpture. The entire temple complex is designed in the shape of the Devanagiri letter "Om", which can be appreciated in the aerial view.  The west-facing gigantic sculpture is located atop the star-shaped pedestal. It dominates the entire landscape. A large meditation hall is situated below the pedestal. On the open corridor in front of the presiding deity, smaller shrines are found. They enshrine...
Read more