华语

Grave of Seah Eu Chin and his wives

Main structure of Seah Eu Chin’s grave in January 2018

The grave of Seah Eu Chin and his wives Tan Meng Guet and Tan Meng Choo was rediscovered in 2012 by the brothers Raymond and Charles Goh. At the time, the site was heavily overgrown and difficult to access, as it had been forgotten for many decades (compare the photo above with one from 2012). Since then, the main structure has been periodically cleaned for ancestor-worship or anniversary ceremonies, and construction work nearby has made it more accessible.

View of Grave Hill from Toa Payoh Rise. SLF Towers are in the background left.

The main structure is centered around the stele, which contain the names and titles of the persons buried there. This is flanked by several panels containing text, unfortunately most are very badly eroded and illegible, as well as decorative elements. Some of the text inscriptions are made from colored ceramic tiles that have been attached or inlaid into the stone, while others are simply incised and painted in.

The stele and panels are fronted by an area of marble tiles, with granite used to make the border. In front of this is a large semicirclular concrete platform. However, the actual boundaries of the grave area are even larger. The main structure is surrounded by at least one concrete border (or holding wall), which is again enclosed by another border made from brick. However these have been so heavily overgrown with vegetation that only parts of it are visible, and it was not possible to determine how far they extend.

View of the main structure, including part of the concrete platform in front.

Adjacent to the main structure is a stele erected to the Earth god (土地之神). The design is similar to the main tomb, but on a smaller scale and with simpler inscriptions.

Stele to the Earth god (土地之神) adjacent to the main structure.

The variety of materials used to build the structure is remarkable. They have withstood weathering and overgrowth by vegetation to different degrees. The main structure appears to be carved from stone. Some of the text inscriptions and decorations, including the main stele, were carved directly into the stone. However some were also overlaid with colored ceramic tiles attached by cement, which in many places has disintegrated with time.

There has also been structural damage to the tomb. Plants growing between tiles have pried some loose. The most serious damage is to some columns and panels on the right side, which have broken and toppled over, fracturing the marble tiles below them. Given the weight and sturdiness of the stone used to make them, this may have been caused by a fallen tree.