Thean Teng Chuah Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Thean Teng Chuah Art Value Price Guide

Dec. 19, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG (1914-2008) - Women & Child offset lithograph 51 x 46 cm (68 x 63 cm)
Est: $150 - $250
CHUAH THEAN TENG (1914-2008) Women & Child offset lithograph 51 x 46 cm (68 x 63 cm) signed in print
Lawsons
Dec. 08, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child, 1970s
Est: RM14,000 - RM24,000
A mother's love is eternal. The scene depicts tender moments between a mother and her child. Cradling her little boy with her arm, she wears a captivating piece of batik sarong that is ornamented with elegant floral patterns. Her hair is neatly combed into a sleek bun adorned with delicate flowers. The background is created with a special crackling effect, produced through the breaking of wax before the dyeing process. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the 'Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Dec. 08, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Children, 1970s
Est: RM35,000 - RM65,000
For Dato' Chuah Thean Teng, the Mother-and-Child theme is a recurring one for the epitome of human values and a mother's sacrifices. A close-up rendition, the scene emanates an aura of warmth, featuring a robust woman cradling her youngest child to sleep, while her two elder children are nearby, forming an inseparable unit. In the depiction of the mother in a nurturing role, this work portrays the tender affection between the family. The most iconic of Teng's Mother-and-Child batik is Two Of A Kind (1968), which was one of two works chosen for UNICEF's greeting cards. His other work, Tell You A Secret, was in 1987. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed the 'Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Oct. 27, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mother with Children - Feeding the Baby, circa 1980’s
Est: RM55,000 - RM65,000
x
KLAS Art Auction
Oct. 27, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Untitled, 1980’s
Est: RM12,000 - RM22,000
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato’ (born 1920) is a celebrated Malaysian artist known for his pioneering contributions to the field of batik painting. Born in Penang, he began his artistic journey in the 1940s and quickly became a prominent figure in the Malaysian art scene. His passion for traditional art forms and commitment to innovation allowed him to create a unique style that fused traditional batik techniques with modern artistic expression. Chuah’s works are characterized by their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a deep sense of cultural identity. He often draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Malaysia, portraying flora, fauna, and scenes of everyday life. His paintings reflect a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western artistic influences, showcasing his ability to bridge different cultural traditions.
KLAS Art Auction
Oct. 27, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Two Nudes, 1980’s
Est: RM6,000 - RM12,000
Two Nudes by Dato’ Chuah Thean Teng (1980s) is a captivating batik painting that captures the beauty and vulnerability of the human form. In this work, Chuah employs his mastery of batik techniques to depict two nude figures, rendered with soft, fluid lines and warm earth tones. The figures, intertwined in a natural yet abstract composition, evoke a sense of intimacy and harmony with nature. The textured quality of the batik medium adds depth and complexity, blending the boundaries between the figures and their surroundings, while embodying Chuah’s exploration of both traditional craft and modern artistic expression.
KLAS Art Auction
Sep. 29, 2024
Batik Painting on Fabric
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Brown dark abstract painting. Appears to have some water damage along bottom. Approx: 51 in H x 42.25 in W. Weight: 8.8 lbs.
Hughes Auctions
Sep. 18, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng Batik Painting Mother & Children
Est: $1,500 - $3,000
Chuah Thean Teng (Chinese/Malaysian, 1914-2008). Batik painting depicting a mother caring for three young children. Signed along the lower left. Provenance: Collected in Kuala Lumpur, 1960-65.
Revere Auctions
Aug. 25, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child, 1980s
Est: RM25,000 - RM50,000
Time was when bonding between a mother and child, specifically a daughter, was a simple help with flowers on the back of the hair, bunched into a sanggul bun, not even with a keronsang (brooch), as in a little later years with better family income in the village. Whiffs of nostalgia of a bygone era. No jet-setting holidays or dining at fancy restaurants, as in today's lifestyle. Such is the impeccable charm of batik doyen Dato' Chuah Thean Teng's Mother-and-Child theme that it never fails to tug at the heart-strings, evoking more earthy and natural emotional memories. The child would learn to make do with little pleasures, and more meaningful too, and not grow up to be vain and avaricious. The soothing green tones of the clothes worn, both by the mother and the child, add to the warmth of the relationship, what with the delicate patterns in the sarong exuding some cultural faience. Notice how the chequered floorboard matches with the sarong of the little girl, who helps with the coiffuring of the seated Mama, her face partly hidden by her akimbo left hand.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Aug. 25, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Motherly Love, 1980s
Est: RM18,000 - RM33,000
A mother's love has been immortalised in paintings, sculptures, poetry, films, theatre and songs (John Lennon's Mother, for one). The great Persian mystic-poet Rumi intoned: "We are born of love; Love is our mother." For Dato' Chuah Thean Teng, the Mother-and-Child theme is a recurring one for the epitome of human values and a mother's sacrifices. In numerous such works in batik, Teng, as he is popularly known, brought out the mother's endearing charm, her unconditional love and care, and her close interaction with her children especially when they were young, with equal attention to all no matter how many, like in this painting where the older siblings also clamour for her attention, but the baby brother, lacking mobility, has to be carried all around. The most iconic of Teng's Mother-and-Child batik is Two Of A Kind (1968), which was one of two works chosen for UNICEF's greeting cards. His other work, Tell You A Secret, was in 1987. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed the 'Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable gallery which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Aug. 18, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Cat and Fish
Est: RM4,000 - RM7,000
x
KLAS Art Auction
Aug. 18, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Penang Fishing Village, 1960’s
Est: RM10,000 - RM18,000
x
KLAS Art Auction
Aug. 18, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mother and Child, 1970’s
Est: RM7,000 - RM11,000
x
KLAS Art Auction
Aug. 18, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mother with Children - Feeding the Baby, circa 1980’s
Est: RM60,000 - RM90,000
Dato Chuah Thean Teng is a name synonymous with Malaysian batik. Often hailed as the “Master of Batik,” he played a pivotal role in elevating batik from a traditional textile to a fine art form. Born in China in 1914, Chuah’s journey to becoming a batik maestro was far from ordinary. He ventured to Malaya and experienced a diverse range of occupations before discovering his true passion. His early exposure to batik making, through the production of sarongs, sparked his artistic sensibilities. Chuah began experimenting with the wax-resist technique, transforming it into a canvas for his creative expression. His works beautifully captured the essence of Malayan life, depicting idyllic kampung scenes, vibrant flora, and the graceful figures of Malay women and children.
KLAS Art Auction
Jul. 23, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG (CHINESE/MALAYSIAN, 1912/14-2008), Joy of Living
Est: $500 - $800
CHUAH THEAN TENG (CHINESE/MALAYSIAN, 1912/14-2008) Joy of Living batik print with printed signature lower left: Teng 34 x 69.6cm
Gibson's
Jul. 23, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG (CHINESE/MALAYSIAN, 1912/14-2008), Village
Est: $500 - $800
CHUAH THEAN TENG (CHINESE/MALAYSIAN, 1912/14-2008) Village batik print with printed signature lower left: Teng 54 x 27cm
Gibson's
Jun. 09, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng (1912 - 2008): Moonlit Village Waterscape
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Chuah Thean Teng 1912 - 2008 Moonlit Village Waterscape batik dyed cloth signed lower right
Abell Auction
May. 26, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Bullock Cart
Est: RM20,000 - RM30,000
Dato’ Chuah Thean Teng was born in China in 1914, where he studied at the Amoy Art School. Teng first started in this medium in 1953 and therefore he can be considered the father of Batik Painting in Malaysia. He says, “Art is the vision of the artist, his creation, imagination and expression reflecting the artist’s many degrees of feeling. It is an interplay of both emotional and visual expression where the illusions created convey the statements across. And through the different modes of expressions, we are compelled to seek some standard of value to enable us to distinguish between them. This distinction is called the transformation of things.” According to Frank Sullivan, “His (referring to Dato’ Chuah Thean Teng) productivity in batik painting is enormous... never satisfied, he is always experimenting, seeking to give new depth and range to his batik art.” This particular work departs from the artist’s usual hallmark and presents an almost ambiguous iteration of the Bullock Cart Carriage.
KLAS Art Auction
May. 26, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mother and Child, 1970’s
Est: RM8,000 - RM12,000
Dato’ Chuah Thean Teng, known as the Father of Batik Art, was a master storyteller. His paintings offered not only a glimpse of the olden days, but also expressed the cultural identity of Malaysians. Complex batik making methods using wax and dyes allowed Teng to create hues that captured the beauty of mother and child in this radiant composition.
KLAS Art Auction
May. 26, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mother and Children, 1970’s
Est: RM14,000 - RM20,000
Themes on physical labour and mother and children are often seen in Teng’s vast output. Teng’s mother and child series illustrates his profound respect for the nurturing and even life-giving roles that women play. The artist’s early training in Chinese painting served him well technically and also influenced his compositions, and the colours he used. As Chinese philosophy emphasises balance, many of his works also are balanced in nature, or are circular compositions, promoting balance and equilibrium.
KLAS Art Auction
May. 26, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Durian Harvest, 1970’s
Est: RM12,000 - RM18,000
Datuk Chuah Thean Teng is a renowned Malaysian artist, known for his striking batik paintings. His “Mother and Child” series is one of his most iconic works, which is characterised by its tender and emotional depiction of the bond between a mother and her child. The children, on the other hand, are shown with a look of contentment and trust in their mother. In this painting, the mother, who is a durian seller, appears to have her son holding her back, while the second image shows mothers feasting on a durian as the child reaches out for the fruit.
KLAS Art Auction
May. 19, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) The Paddy Farmers, 1980s
Est: RM13,000 - RM23,000
Rice-growing is a back-breaking task, especially before the advent of automation and quality-yield technology. Land preparation which includes tillage, transplanting, fertilisers, weeding, harvesting, threshing, sorting and distribution. Though we often speak of farmers as masculine, it's actually barefoot women (wonder how they overcome the leeches) in conical hats bending over for hours on the field, tying up the padi stalks in bundles after reaping. An interesting diversion is the conical (of hats and reams of stalks) and chequered (on the sarong) patterns. There is a sense of unbalance with the figure in the foreground standing on one leg but the eye is drawn to the unusually bright blue attire of the figure in the background, stabilised by the pole bearing tied reams of padi. Dato' Chuah Thean Teng, world acknowledged as the originator of Batik Painting, never stopped innovating since he developed the art in 1953. In Chinese Art In The 20th Century (1959), Professor Michael Sullivan wrote: "In Teng, Malaya claims to have found her first national painter. Teng has conceived the idea of making pictures in batik - not just decorative designs, but large and frequently complex figure compositions." He was the first Malaysian (after British-born Peter Harris) to be given a Retrospective in 1965 by the National Art Gallery (The NAG again accorded him a Tribute exhibition in 2008), while Penang accorded him a Retrospective in 1994. In 1998, he was conferred a Dato'ship and in 2005, Penang's 'Live Heritage Award'. Images of his works, Two Of A Kind (1968) and Tell You A Secret (1987) were chosen for UNICEF's greeting cards. He was the only Malaysian in a roll of great world artists invited to take part in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition in London, to mark the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1977.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
May. 19, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Kampung Life, 1960s
Est: RM13,000 - RM23,000
Teng, the batik master is known for his poetic imagery capturing the spirit of village life. This work exemplifies Teng's skill in the medium of batik created through a resist dyeing method of applying liquid wax and dyes onto cotton fabric, resulting in detailed patterns in the composition. Kampung Life expresses the beauty of everyday living, whereby a charming woman is portrayed enjoying the durian fruit. The radiant flowers in the foreground, caladium plants, soft plains, sun, blue skies, and kampung house are carefully depicted in glorious detail, achieving a unified and harmonious whole through the ornamental batik forms. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the 'Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
May. 17, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG 蔡天定 (CHINESE/MALAYSIAN, 1912–2008) Figures 人物
Est: £1,500 - £2,500
CHUAH THEAN TENG (CHINESE/MALAYSIAN, 1912–2008) Figures 蔡天定人物蠟染 - PROVENANCE: English Private Collection, acquired at Chuah Thean Teng's studio, Yahong Gallery in Penang, Malaysia in the early 1990s while living in Singapore between 1992-2010. (Receipt and photograph included, along with gallery brochure) 來源：英國私人收藏，曾於1992年至2010年間居於新加坡。1990年代購自蔡天定畫室，Yahong畫廊，馬來西亞檳城。（包括收據和照片，以及畫廊小冊子） - NOTE: Chuah Thean Teng was a prominent Malaysian artist whose legacy reverberates through the vibrant strokes of his batik paintings. Born on December 22, 1912, in Penang, Malaysia, Chuah Thean Teng's artistic journey began with humble origins but unfolded into a tale of mastery and innovation. Raised in a family deeply rooted in Chinese culture, Chuah Thean Teng initially pursued a traditional Chinese education. However, his passion for art blossomed during his formative years, leading him to explore various mediums and techniques. He delved into the world of art with a fervor that would define his future endeavors. Despite the absence of formal art education, Chuah Thean Teng's talent spoke volumes. He absorbed influences from both Eastern and Western artistic traditions, integrating them into his distinctive style. His early works showcased a fusion of Chinese ink painting techniques with Western oil painting methods, displaying a harmonious blend of cultures and artistic visions. It was in the realm of batik painting that Chuah Thean Teng truly distinguished himself. Batik, a traditional Malaysian art form involving wax-resist dyeing on fabric, became his primary medium of expression. With meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of color and composition, he transformed ordinary cloth into captivating works of art. His batik paintings encapsulated the essence of Malaysian culture, portraying scenes of daily life, landscapes, and folklore with remarkable skill and sensitivity. Chuah Thean Teng's contributions to the art world extended beyond his creative output. He played a pivotal role in elevating batik painting from a folk craft to a respected art form, earning recognition both locally and internationally. His efforts helped bridge cultural divides and foster appreciation for Malaysian heritage among diverse audiences. Throughout his illustrious career, Chuah Thean Teng received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts. His works graced exhibitions around the globe, earning acclaim for their beauty and cultural significance. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he also dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of artists, sharing his knowledge and passion through teaching and mentorship. Chuah Thean Teng's artistic journey came to an end on August 4, 2008, but his legacy endures through his timeless creations and enduring influence on the Malaysian art scene. National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara), Malaysia: As one of Malaysia's premier art institutions, it houses a significant collection of Chuah Thean Teng's batik paintings. Penang State Art Gallery (Galeri Seni Mutiara), Malaysia: Located in Chuah Thean Teng's hometown of Penang, is also home to several works. Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, USA: showcases that his works have also found a home in international institutions such as also the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK: The Victoria and Albert Museum, which also includes examples of Chuah Thean Teng's batik paintings in its holdings.
Chiswick Auctions
Feb. 28, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng 1914-2008 Cat & Fish Batik SIGNED
Est: $1,000 - $3,000
Chuah Thean Teng (Malaysian, 1914-2008). An original batik on cloth. Work depicts a cat and fish. Artist signed to lower left. Presented under glass in a black metal frame. Sight size measures approximately 16.5" x 11.25". Dimensions: 18 X 12.75 X 1 in. Condition: Good overall condition having mild age related surface wear. Frame has mild to moderate wear to edges and corners. Estate fresh to the market. Shipping: Hill Auction Gallery offers in-house ground contiguous USA domestic shipping, excluding New Mexico, for $95 plus insurance. Gallery will refer third party shippers for international buyers. Purchaser pick up available upon request.
Hill Auction Gallery
Feb. 04, 2024
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mother and Children, 1970’s
Est: RM15,000 - RM22,000
Dato’ Chuah Thean Teng is a renowned Malaysian artist, known for his striking batik paintings. His “Mother and Child” series is one of his most iconic works, which is characterised by its tender and emotional depiction of the bond between a mother and her child. The series features a variety of compositions, but all of them depict the intimate relationship between a mother and her child in a serene and peaceful setting. The mother is often shown holding her child close, with a look of love and tenderness on her face. The children, on the other hand, are shown with a look of contentment and trust in their mother. In this painting, the mother, who is a durian seller, appears to have her son strapped to her back, while she tends to customers.
KLAS Art Auction
Jan. 14, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child
Est: RM25,000 - RM45,000
Teng was known for his batik compositions influenced by the indigenous traditions found in the region. He had also explored new ways of representing the figure through the freeing of proportions, accompanied with intricate outlines around the shapes. A pair of mother and child figures are portrayed in harmony, forming a symmetrical arrangement. They are surrounded by an abundance of local fruits, resting along a structure made of bamboo. Using rich, jewel like colours of green, blue, and purple across the surface, this batik painting offers a glimpse into the simple ways of life. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the ‘Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi, which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jan. 14, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child
Est: RM22,000 - RM38,000
Children who are loved and cared for by their mother are like a treasure that shines and flourish. In this batik work, tender affection is well expressed through the gesture of the mother, who is spending time with her children, a boy and a girl, who are sitting close within reach. Rooted in the indigenous culture of the region, the composition shows elements such as the intricate patterns on the sarong fabric, bamboo stilts, weaved baskets, umbrella, and an abundance of local fruits. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the ‘Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi, which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jan. 14, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child
Est: RM35,000 - RM60,000
Time was when bonding between a mother and child, specifically a daughter, was a simple help with flowers on the back of the hair, bunched into a sanggul bun, not even with a keronsang (brooch), as in a little later years with better family income in the village. Whiffs of nostalgia of a bygone era. No jet-setting holidays or dining at fancy restaurants, as in today's lifestyle. Such is the impeccable charm of batik doyen Dato' Chuah Thean Teng's Mother-and-Child (Children) theme that it never fails to tug at the heart-strings, evoking more earthy and natural emotional memories. The child would learn to make do with little pleasures, and more meaningful too, and not grow up to be vain and avaricious. The soothing green tones of the clothes worn, both by the mother and the child, add to the warmth of the relationship, what with the delicate patterns in the sarong exuding some cultural faience. Notice how the chequered floorboard matches with the sarong of the little girl, who helps with the coiffuring of the seated Mama, her face partly hidden by her akimbo left hand. Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed the ‘Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959) by Professor Michael Sullivan, thus starting a world art genre, Batik Painting. In 1977, he was selected among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. The Penang State Government honoured him with a Dato' title in 1998 and accorded him Living Heritage status in 2005. He was given a Retrospective by the Penang State Art Gallery in 1994, and by the National Art Gallery in 1965 besides a momentous Tribute exhibition in 2008. His works are shown in his Yahong Art Museum in Batu Ferringhi, which include the iconic Two Of A Kind (1968) and Tell You A Secret (1987) and a self-portrait sculpture bust.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jan. 14, 2024
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Shepherd
Est: RM12,000 - RM22,000
The theme of the herd boy and the water buffalo is popular in Chinese folklore and art since the Song-Yuan period of China. During Malayan Independence days before the onset of automaton, the buffaloes diligently worked with Man to plough the padi-fields, and the trinity of Man-Animal-Land is like a pastoral song. The theme also abounds in the batik-art of Dato' Chuah Thean Teng, who was one most attuned to the rural community and Nature and had lived during the time of the bullock carts. Here, Teng experiments with the graceful forms of three water buffaloes, suggesting volume through fluid and salient lines using a harmonious palette of yellow and lavender hues. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the ‘Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi, which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Nov. 26, 2023
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mother and Children, 1970’s
Est: RM15,000 - RM25,000
Dato’ Chuah Thean Teng is a renowned Malaysian artist, known for his striking batik paintings. His “Mother and Child” series is one of his most iconic works, which is characterised by its tender and emotional depiction of the bond between a mother and her child. The series features a variety of compositions, but all of them depict the intimate relationship between a mother and her child in a serene and peaceful setting. The mother is often shown holding her child close, with a look of love and tenderness on her face. The children, on the other hand, are shown with a look of contentment and trust in their mother. In this painting, the mother, who is a durian seller, appears to have her son strapped to her back, while she tends to customers.
KLAS Art Auction
Nov. 26, 2023
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mothers and Child, 1970’s
Est: RM38,000 - RM75,000
Dato’ Chuah Thean Teng is a renowned Malaysian artist, known for his striking batik paintings. His “Mother and Child” series is one of his most iconic works, which is characterised by its tender and emotional depiction of the bond between a mother and her child. The series features a variety of compositions, but all of them depict the intimate relationship between a mother and her child in a serene and peaceful setting. The mother is often shown holding her child close, with a look of love and tenderness on her face. The children, on the other hand, are shown with a look of contentment and trust in their mother. In this painting, the mother, who is a durian seller, appears to have her son strapped to her back, while she tends to customers.
KLAS Art Auction
Nov. 26, 2023
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Eating Durian, 1980’s
Est: RM35,000 - RM75,000
Chuah Thean Teng is credited with the first transference of the textile from its status as a craft and function as a garment, to a new identity as an art form to be framed and displayed from the 1950s onwards. Chuah’s distinctive rendering in the medium persists to today as iconic encapsulations of the Malayan landscape and its people. The fluidity of his figures and vibrancy of his dyes combined with the geometric modernity of his compositions imbue his works with an unmistakable vitality and balance. In Eating Durian, Chuah depicts a two ladies in varying poses of communal and domestic activity as they enjoy the tropical delicacy with a kid overlooking them.
KLAS Art Auction
Oct. 01, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Composition, 1980s
Est: RM12,000 - RM20,000
Dato' Chuah Thean Teng's distinct compositions are notable for bridging the style of cubism and the use of batik painting, with emphasis on the drawing of lines. This work reflects the combination of geometrically abstracted forms interlocked with flattened planes and delicate batik crackle effects. The entire structure is integrated through a harmonious balance of dynamic shapes and elegant colour palette. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the âFather of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Oct. 01, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child, 1980s
Est: RM50,000 - RM80,000
Dato' Chuah Thean Teng is an alchemist of the domestic scene in the bullock-cart days before the advent of automaton. Here, the concentration is on an upright rectangle circumscribing the face of a chubby girl, the profile of a woman with her head slightly bent as she pours some rice into a ketupat coconut-leaf casing. It's a kitchen ritual every little girl is expected to pick up, though she looks bored and would rather go outdoors and play with her friends. The woman, obviously the mother, is clad in simple baju Melayu top with a shawl, and her pink lips and flower on the hair providing a spot of colour. She has a gelang (bracelet) on her right wrist. The spiral plant-like pattern on her sarung contrasts sharply with the unusual chequered flooring. Ketupat is a favourite during Ramadan, especially to go with the skewered grilled-meat of satay with its sweet peanut gravy. Dato' Chuah Thean Teng, the world-acknowledged Father of Batik Painting, is among the first artists to practise cross-cultural art themes. He was given a Retrospective in 1965, by the National Art Gallery, which followed up with a Tribute exhibition in 2008. Penang awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. In 1977, he was selected among the world's art elite to take part in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. Teng, as the artist is popularly known, established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum. He had held solo exhibitions in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Oct. 01, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child, 1980s
Est: RM20,000 - RM38,000
Deeply mesmerised by the intricate patterns of batik fabrics, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng began experimenting with the medium, combining eastern and western techniques. His endearing compositions reflect the people and culture of the Malaysian community. In this charming composition, the figures of the mother and child are surrounded with an abundance of local fruits (durian, mangosteens and rambutans). Linear lines of the bamboo structure frame the entire composition, complemented with intricate visual elements such as the sarong pattern, weaves on the traditional basketry, and curved shapes of traditional bamboo flooring. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the âFather of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Oct. 01, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Satay Seller, 1970s
Est: RM12,000 - RM22,000
Dato' Chuah Thean Teng sought to capture the lives of the people, focusing on the occupations and trade in the local community. Using the medium of batik, this work depicts a satay stall owner and surrounding figures in an open space, concentrating on refined lines. An earthy colour is used in the background executed with crackle effects. He emphasises the intricate workmanship of the weaved basketry and umbrella. The handheld fan used to grill the satay delicacies is made of bamboo. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the âFather of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Sep. 24, 2023
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Fishermen
Est: RM8,500 - RM12,000
Known as the Father of Batik Painting in Malaysia, Dato Chuah Thean Teng earned his stripes from his use of batik as a medium of fine art since 1953. Although batik painting has been around for hundreds of years, it is remarkable that no one before Teng had ever thought of adapting this age-old craft as a medium of fine art. His artistic proclivities include landscapes, people and even animals, often a cultural education of the way of life in a particular community, their relationships and beliefs. For this piece, the fishing community inspires Teng. The subjects are ever so focused on their jobs, retrieving their catch from the sea at sunrise, conveying diligence and the repetitive daily lives of fishermen.
KLAS Art Auction
Sep. 24, 2023
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO : Mothers and Child, 1970’s
Est: RM45,000 - RM70,000
Themes on physical labour and mother and child are often seen in Teng’s vast output. Here, the artist’s hallmark imagery of the Mother and Child departs from his usual depiction of women and children set within the rural Malaysian village scenes, the figures (two mothers and one child) in this scene are at the foreground of the artwork, with a plain crackling background. Teng’s mother and child series illustrates his profound respect for the nurturing and even life-giving roles that women play. The artist’s early training in Chinese painting served him well technically and also influenced his compositions, and the colours he used. As Chinese philosophy emphasises balance, many of his works also are balanced in nature, or are circular compositions, promoting balance and equilibrium.
KLAS Art Auction
Sep. 23, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng; At the Fruit Stall
Est: S$5,500 - S$8,500
Lot 919: Chuah Thean Teng (1912 - 2008, Malaysian), At the Fruit Stall, executed in 1975, batik on cloth, 62.5 x 48 cm, signed on lower right, Pick up point: Singapore, Tags: Malaysia, Malaysian, modern, painting, batik, figurative, figures IMPORTANT INFO Bidders need to know We encourage all buyers to check for condition reports and or other photos before bidding. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is free from damage and wear. Please go through photos for more details on conditions and age; color will be different depends on your screen. All the items are sold as is and all sales are final. We encourage all bidders to review our terms and conditions before bidding. Please contact us through email info@larasati.com if you need any further information.
Larasati Auctioneers
Jul. 09, 2023
Attrib. TENG Chuah Thean (Malaysian 1914-2008), Village Women with Basket of Durian, Batik Mounted to Board, 82.5x55cm
Est: $1,500 - $3,000
Attrib. TENG, Chuah Thean (Malaysian 1914-2008) Village Women with Basket of Durian Signature possibly lost during framing. Batik Mounted to Board 82.5x55cm PROVENANCE: Private collection, Queensland.
Davidson Auctions
Jun. 25, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child
Est: RM12,000 - RM20,000
This lot presents a sculptural image of a nurturing mother holding her child in her arms. Meticulously crafted in a realist manner, the artist captures the close relationship between the figures, evoking a sense of intimacy, love and affection. The intricate details of the face, rhythmic contours of the figures and superb handling of material makes this a fine piece. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the Father of Batik Painting (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jun. 25, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child, 1960s
Est: RM30,000 - RM55,000
Time was when raising children was a full-time job for stay-at-home women apart from doing household chores and tending to the spice and fruit garden for more self- sufficiency. The interior was spartan, no electrical modern conveniences like fans with the kampung-house veranda affording steady infusion of the breeze. Here, the toddler in the buff is clinging on to the mother, back turned to him, for attention, as she combs her hair looking into a mirror. The woman on the right clad in a loose sarong needs to keep up the allure with the hope of finding a jodoh (suitor) soon. A screwpine tudung saji (food cover) is hung on the wall: it is not mealtime yet. According to Seow Keng, son of Dato' Chuah Thean Teng, the world progenitor of batik-painting, his work had been turned into postcards during the time when their Yahong Art Gallery premises was at Leith Street in the Penang city centre. Chuah Thean Teng, later a Dato', was dubbed the 'Father of Batik Painting' by Professor Michael Sullivan (in the book, Chinese Art in the 20 th Century, 1959), but he still kept innovating over the years to expand the parameters of batik painting which he developed in 1953, harnessing a 2,000-year-old tradition into a modern art form. He held his first solo exhibition of batik painting (Penang Library) in 1955. Teng, as he is better known, was the only Malaysian among great world artists featured in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition in London, to mark the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1977. He was arguably the first Malaysian to have an exhibition abroad, at the Commonwealth Institute, London, in 1959, The National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur honoured him with a Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute exhibition in 2008, while Penang accorded him a Retrospective in 1994 and the Dato'ship title in 1998. He was a recipient of the Penang's 'Live Heritage Award' in 2005.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jun. 25, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Musicians, 1950s
Est: RM10,000 - RM18,000
Renowned for his poetic batik compositions and unique colour palette, this piece by Dato' Chuah Thean Teng records the folk music and traditions of village life, with a strong local influence. This work focuses on a trio of musicians dominating the entire scene, involving instruments such as the kendang drum, gong, and violin. Teng enhanced the curved lines of the figures, echoing the rhythm of the drum percussion, in opulent red and ochre hues. The scene is enlivened by dancing men and women in the background, immersed in the melodic serenade, portraying the merriness of dance. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the 'Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20 th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jun. 22, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng ''Nudes'' (Abstraction) Batik
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Chuah Thean Teng (1912-2008 Malaysian) ''Nudes'' (Abstraction) Batik on Cloth 24''x18'' Image. Signed l.r. Original framing 29''x23''. Excellent condition. Not examined outside of framing.
MBA Seattle Auction LLC
Apr. 21, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng (Chinese/Malaysian,
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
Chuah Thean Teng (Chinese/Malaysian, 1912-2008), "At the Fruit Stall", 1975, batik on cloth, signed lower right, label with signature, artist stamp, title and date and "Yahong Gallery, Penang, Malaysia" label attached en verso, 24 in. x 18 1/2 in., framed, overall 28 in. x 22 1/2 in. x 2 1/2 in.; accompanied by booklet Batik Painting by Teng. (2 pcs.)
Neal Auction Company
Mar. 19, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Housewife, 1950s
Est: RM22,000 - RM44,000
Housewife portrays the daily scenes of old Malaya with distinct batik textures. The composition depicts a lady engaged in her daily chores surrounded with three roosters. This work conveys elegance and shows Dato' Chuah Thean Teng's arrangement of spatial qualities, interweaved with delightful textures and rich shades. His figures are often abbreviated and elongated, a distinct trademark. Delicate touches of bright colour applied through a mosaic pattern enlivens the surface. In 1959, Teng became the first Malaysian artist to have an art exhibition overseas at the Commonwealth Institute in London. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the 'Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Mar. 19, 2023
Chuah Thean Teng, Dato' (b. 1912 - 2008) Mother And Child, 1980s
Est: RM12,000 - RM22,000
A mother's love has been immortalised in paintings, sculptures, poetry, films, theatre and songs (John Lennon's Mother, for one). The great Persian mystic-poet Rumi intoned: "We are born of love; Love is our mother." For Dato' Chuah Thean Teng, the Mother-and-Child theme is a recurring one for the epitome of human values and a mother's sacrifices. In numerous such works, Teng, as he is popularly known, brought out the mother's endearing charm, her unconditional love and care, and her close interaction with the young child. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the 'Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers