Nai Tong Tew Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1936 - d. 2013

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  • TEW NAI TONG : Market Scene, 1963
    Jan. 19, 2025

    TEW NAI TONG : Market Scene, 1963

    Est: RM12,000 - RM28,000

    Illustrated here is a combination of Tew Nai Tong’s hallmarks in his artworks. Said hallmarks include females in rural settings, scenes from the everyday trade and agricultural activities and depictions of the simple life. The artist had an exemplary way of perceiving the simple life, enriching the visualisation of villages through his profound, vibrant paintings. The coarseness of colour and texture in his paintings also bring the mind to the countryside, and Tew Nai Tong’s affection for the countryside is palpable. This piece captures blissful quiescence and peace, and tells of life led with simplicity and being close to the community and nature.

    KLAS Art Auction
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Tin Mining, 1974; 1975
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Tin Mining, 1974; 1975

    Est: RM5,000 - RM9,000

    In Malaysia, the excavation of tin began in the 1820s in Perak, and 1824 in Selangor. Tew Nai Tong captures the landscape scene, with the view of tin-mining structures, surrounding vegetation, and mountains in the distance. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Durian Season, 1995
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Durian Season, 1995

    Est: RM7,000 - RM12,000

    In Durian Season, Tew Nai Tong captured the best way to savour durian - with a group of friends and family. One of the finest paintings by Nai Tong, the scene portrays not only sumptuous local fruits such as mangosteen, rambutan, and durians, but together with portraits of women and children in radiant colours. The exquisite painting from the 1990s suggests the rich taste of the fruits, along with its associated memories. Nai Tong returned to Malaysia and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He furthered his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des BeauxArts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go full time in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, called Odyssey. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Untitled, 1990s
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Untitled, 1990s

    Est: RM9,000 - RM15,000

    Though Tew Nai Tong had produced many compositions of girls with flowers, this painting stands out for the incorporation of primitive elements. The feminine forms of the female figure and flowers are contrasted with the sculptures from tribal culture and Chinese calligraphy, rendered in the artist's signature Nanyang style. Nai Tong portrayed the image of a brave modern woman with a bouquet of flowers enriched with a vivid palette, implying the artistic exchange between different cultures. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Lady With Flowers, 1990s; At Work, 1990
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Lady With Flowers, 1990s; At Work, 1990

    Est: RM3,000 - RM5,000

    An exquisite pair of paintings with the iconic theme of lady with flowers and shepherd. Executed with swift brush strokes, these wonderful paintings though intimate in scale reflect Nai Tong's confident execution in his thought process. It also portrays the artist's interest in colour exploration, as he employed subtle nuances in his palette to convey a range of emotions. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Joyful Life, 2002
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Joyful Life, 2002

    Est: RM8,000 - RM14,000

    Tew Nai Tong transports the viewer to the pastoral countryside through his colourful palette and emphasis on forms. Surrounded with green vegetation, Joyful Life depicts a shepherd tending to his cattle across the expansive terrain on a golden sunlit day. The expressive brushwork and layering of paint in bright colours bring out the joyous and freeing atmosphere of the countryside. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Happy Life, 2002
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Happy Life, 2002

    Est: RM8,000 - RM14,000

    Tew Nai Tong's pastoral landscapes are suffused with light and colour. In Happy Life, a pair of shepherds lead their cattle across the expansive fields on a golden sunlit day. The expressive brushwork and layering of paint in bright colours bring out the joyous and freeing atmosphere of the countryside. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Village Life, 1975
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Village Life, 1975

    Est: RM7,000 - RM12,000

    In Village Life, Tew Nai Tong employed the use of the grid to present the scene of a local market. The figures of village workers in traditional wear are condensed into a layer of geometric patterns. Earthy colours of ochre, cream, and sienna denoting the land were laid out to evoke the environment. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) In The Morning; Countryside, 1998
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) In The Morning; Countryside, 1998

    Est: RM3,500 - RM7,000

    Nai Tong adds a touch of romance to his shepherd themed paintings. One of the most exquisite set of paintings by Nai Tong to be offered, this set features a pair of lovers walking across the fields with a herd of goats. The closeness of the pair and their admiration of each other are felt, symbolising love, faith, and understanding. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Happiness, 1991
    Dec. 08, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Happiness, 1991

    Est: RM1,500 - RM2,800

    An intimate study of figures and birds, Happiness explores the moments of leisure. A pair of figures are listening to a songbird, enthralled by the melodious sounds. The small painting is executed in a palette of harmonious colours, comprised of tranquil blue and green hues. It reminds us to be present in the moment we live in. Tew Nai Tong received his early art education at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA), graduating in 1958. He worked for a while to raise funds for his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts, Paris (1967-1968). In the early years, he signed his work as 'Chang Nai Tong'. His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur in 1964 and he had his retrospective at the National Art Gallery in 2007. He taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art from 1969 to 1980, the Central Academy of Art from 1982 to 1985 and the Saito Academy of Art (head of department, 1986-1988). He concentrated fulltime in art in 1992. His awards included Second Prize, Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964); Shell Watercolour Award (1981); Best Award, Esso (1982); Dunlop Watercolour Award (1983); and Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul in 2009. He is the co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society (1982-1983) and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association (1994) and the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • TEW NAI TONG : Cows - Undated
    Oct. 27, 2024

    TEW NAI TONG : Cows - Undated

    Est: RM5,000 - RM9,500

    Tew Nai Tong was born in 1936 and studied art at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA). He graduated in 1958 before furthering his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. Among the awards he received were the Second Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition, the Shell Watercolour Award, Best Award from Esso, the Dunlop Watercolour Award and the Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul. He was also the co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    KLAS Art Auction
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Untitled, 1973
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Untitled, 1973

    Est: RM2,000 - RM4,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Still Life, 1957
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Still Life, 1957

    Est: RM1,500 - RM2,500

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Self Portrait In Paris, 1999
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Self Portrait In Paris, 1999

    Est: RM10,000 - RM18,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Joy Of Living, 1997
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Joy Of Living, 1997

    Est: RM9,000 - RM15,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Country Life, 1995
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Country Life, 1995

    Est: RM10,000 - RM18,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Moon Night, 1970
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Moon Night, 1970

    Est: RM6,000 - RM10,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Fishing Village, 1971; Blue Sea, 1978
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Fishing Village, 1971; Blue Sea, 1978

    Est: RM5,000 - RM9,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) At Work, 1975
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) At Work, 1975

    Est: RM7,500 - RM14,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) East Coast, 1975
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) East Coast, 1975

    Est: RM9,000 - RM15,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Malay Girl, 1959
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Malay Girl, 1959

    Est: RM5,000 - RM9,000

    Tew Nai Tong was a pied piper of nostalgia especially pertaining to the Nanyang 'Southern Seas' milieu and epoch. His works celebrate the joie de vivre and beauty of land, usually natural kampung, and people, of a bygone era with pastimes like kite-flying, top-spinning, bird-rearing and cockerel-rearing. The people are predominantly rubber tappers and herders of gaily-coloured cows with short horns and hump Minangkabau-roofed backs. The women are graceful and rustically feminine, shown with phoenix eyes and bee-stung lips, and long oval faces in flat tones. His self image often morphs into the women's faces. Nai Tong's career path was strewn with timely mentors, from Sekolah Menengah Peng Hwa in his Klang hometown (He Yue Cher), to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, then at 49 St. Thomas Walk (Koh Chien Tee and Chen Wen-Hsi, 1957-1958, did not complete and he did not study under Cheong Soo Pieng) and the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris (William Sham and Tong Tjoe). On his return from Paris, he taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), the Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Art Academy (1986-1988) before opting to go fulltime in 1992. He also co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Malaysian Contemporary Watercolours Association and also the now-defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. A revisit to Paris from February to April 1999, after a hiatus of 31 years, resulted in a stunning repertoire of works - provocative nudes, elegiac autumn scenes, quaint sidewalks and ponts. He revisited again until 2002. Tew Nai Tong had a major Survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007, and it was around this time that he painted large paintings, of his Festival Series, including Bali, measuring from 148cm x 119cm to 150cm x 365.7cm.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • TEW NAI TONG : Untitled, 1986
    Aug. 18, 2024

    TEW NAI TONG : Untitled, 1986

    Est: RM1,200 - RM2,500

    Tew Nai Tong was born in 1936 and studied art at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA). He graduated in 1958 before furthering his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. Among the awards he received were the Second Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition, the Shell Watercolour Award, Best Award from Esso, the Dunlop Watercolour Award and the Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul. He was also the co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    KLAS Art Auction
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Bali Girl, 2002
    May. 19, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Bali Girl, 2002

    Est: RM4,000 - RM7,000

    Having received his training in fine art in Paris and Singapore, Tew Nai Tong is best known for his expressive figures influenced by local traditions and rural landscapes. In this portrait, the headdress worn on top of the dancer's head adorned with white flowers gives the young lady an enchanting appearance. The various hues of orange and green enhances the vibrant atmosphere of the painting. It is a masterpiece worth acquiring as Nai Tong rarely painted portrait with eyes wide opened. Tew Nai Tong received his early art education at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA), graduating in 1958. He worked for a while to raise funds for his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts, Paris (1967-1968). In the early years, he signed his work as 'Chang Nai Tong'. His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur in 1964 and he had his retrospective at the National Art Gallery in 2007. He taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art from 1969 to 1980, the Central Academy of Art from 1982 to 1985 and the Saito Academy of Art (head of department, 1986-1988). He concentrated fulltime in art in 1992. His awards included Second Prize, Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964); Shell Watercolour Award (1981); Best Award, Esso (1982); Dunlop Watercolour Award (1983); and Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul in 2009. He is the co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society (1982-1983) and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association (1994) and the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) A Beautiful Day, 2000
    May. 19, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) A Beautiful Day, 2000

    Est: RM7,000 - RM12,000

    A Beautiful Day is painted in a sophisticated manner, portraying three figures admiring the magpie bird, a symbol of good luck and fortune. Here, Nai Tong explores the relationship between man and nature. The central figure in the composition is looking at the bird, surrounded with traditional bird cages in the background. Tew Nai Tong received his early art education at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA), graduating in 1958. He worked for a while to raise funds for his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts, Paris (1967-1968). In the early years, he signed his work as 'Chang Nai Tong'. His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur in 1964 and he had his retrospective at the National Art Gallery in 2007. He taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art from 1969 to 1980, the Central Academy of Art from 1982 to 1985 and the Saito Academy of Art (head of department, 1986-1988). He concentrated fulltime in art in 1992. His awards included Second Prize, Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964); Shell Watercolour Award (1981); Best Award, Esso (1982); Dunlop Watercolour Award (1983); and Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul in 2009. He is the co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society (1982-1983) and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association (1994) and the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Happy Life II, 2005
    May. 19, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Happy Life II, 2005

    Est: RM6,000 - RM10,000

    Using the birdcage and figures symbolically, Nai Tong's canvases are a celebration of a peaceful life, portraying the joy of living in harmony with nature. The figures, two boys and a girl are painted expressively in delicate pastel colours. A songbird is gently perched on the boy's finger, surrounded with traditional birdcages. Tew Nai Tong received his early art education at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA), graduating in 1958. He worked for a while to raise funds for his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts, Paris (1967-1968). In the early years, he signed his work as 'Chang Nai Tong'. His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur in 1964 and he had his retrospective at the National Art Gallery in 2007. He taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art from 1969 to 1980, the Central Academy of Art from 1982 to 1985 and the Saito Academy of Art (head of department, 1986-1988). He concentrated fulltime in art in 1992. His awards included Second Prize, Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964); Shell Watercolour Award (1981); Best Award, Esso (1982); Dunlop Watercolour Award (1983); and Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul in 2009. He is the co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society (1982-1983) and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association (1994) and the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Goatherd, 1975
    May. 19, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Goatherd, 1975

    Est: RM10,000 - RM18,000

    A lush forest dominates the verdant landscape. In this delicately composed painting, the luxurious vegetation of the foreground is balanced by the vertical of the forest trees. A shepherd leading a herd of animals is suggested using confident strokes, revealing a calm atmosphere. Tew Nai Tong received his early art education at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA), graduating in 1958. He worked for a while to raise funds for his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts, Paris (1967-1968). In the early years, he signed his work as 'Chang Nai Tong'. His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur in 1964 and he had his retrospective at the National Art Gallery in 2007. He taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art from 1969 to 1980, the Central Academy of Art from 1982 to 1985 and the Saito Academy of Art (head of department, 1986-1988). He concentrated fulltime in art in 1992. His awards included Second Prize, Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964); Shell Watercolour Award (1981); Best Award, Esso (1982); Dunlop Watercolour Award (1983); and Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul in 2009. He is the co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society (1982-1983) and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association (1994) and the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) She Likes Flowers, 1999
    Jan. 14, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) She Likes Flowers, 1999

    Est: RM6,000 - RM10,000

    Known for his stylistic depiction of women, She Likes Flowers presents a lady with a delighted expression posed with a flower in her hand. The work gives a dreamy atmosphere filled with light, behind her in the background is a vivid frame of sail boats on the ocean conveying an air of freedom. A grand bouquet of anthurium and lilies dominate the composition, accompanied with fresh oranges and pear. The graceful curves of the female form and flowers, in a brightly coloured palette demonstrate the artist's influence from the Nanyang style. Executed with refined brushstrokes and colours composed in a delicate palette, the painting radiates grace and tranquillity. Nai Tong returned to Malaysia and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He furthered his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go full time in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, called Odyssey. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) By The Beach
    Jan. 14, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) By The Beach

    Est: RM4,000 - RM7,000

    Adept in various mediums, Tew Nai Tong explores with watercolour in this tranquil picturesque landscape of the seashore. Washes of blue and turquoise effortlessly spread across the plane with a space to separate the sea with the land. This scenic piece manifests Nai Tong's skilful handling of the medium and reflects his interest in the study of nature and wildlife such as the sea turtle. Nai Tong returned to Malaysia and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He furthered his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go full time in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, called Odyssey. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Untitled
    Jan. 14, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Untitled

    Est: RM1,500 - RM2,800

    This intimate study is truly unique as it demonstrates Nai Tong's bold exploration of watercolour effects. The artist attempted to convey different textures on the bull, through intricate marks formed with deft brushstrokes. The feminine grace of the woman at the foreground is gently juxtaposed with the strength of the bull. Nai Tong returned to Malaysia and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He furthered his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go full time in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, called Odyssey. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Countryside, 1968
    Jan. 14, 2024

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Countryside, 1968

    Est: RM1,200 - RM2,000

    Integrating Chinese ink painting techniques with subtle washes of watercolours, Tew Nai Tong recreates an immersive impression of the countryside. Soft washes of deep green tones allude to the verdant open spaces, while the expansive mid-ground is gently implied using negative space. Nai Tong returned to Malaysia and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He furthered his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go full time in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, called Odyssey. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Bali Beach, 2002
    Oct. 01, 2023

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Bali Beach, 2002

    Est: RM7,000 - RM13,000

    The Balinese jukung canoe was especially popular during the time of Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres (1880-1958). The small wooden outrigger canoe is still used for fishing although modern versions use High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polythene. It has a marlin-like prow with a crab claw sail. It must have been a day off for the fishermen as the jukung were parked on shore, and two vendors could be seen carrying a basket, one on the head. Some activity could be discerned in the background dominated by a cluster of stilt hutments. Tew Nai Tong studied at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (1967-1968) after a fast-track stint at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, from 1957 to 1958. He helped set up the Malaysian Watercolour Society, and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolour Association, and co-founded the Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition, Odyssey, at the National Art Gallery, Malaysia. He won best awards in the Shell (watercolour, 1981), Esso (1982), Dunlop (watercolour, 1983) competitions. He was the 2009 Malaysian winner of the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. He had lectured at three art academies for 23 years before deciding to go fulltime in 1992.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • TEW NAI TONG : Lady with Flowers, 1990’s
    Jul. 09, 2023

    TEW NAI TONG : Lady with Flowers, 1990’s

    Est: RM6,000 - RM12,000

    The artist has an exemplary way of perceiving the simple life, enriching the visualisation of villages through his profound, vibrant paintings. The coarseness of colour and texture in his paintings also bring the mind to the countryside, and Tew Nai Tong’s affection for the countryside is palpable. This piece captures blissful quiescence and peace, and tells of life led with simplicity and being close to the community and nature. Tew Nai Tong studied art at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA) and graduated in 1958 before furthering his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris.

    KLAS Art Auction
  • TEW NAI TONG : Shepherds, 1990
    Jul. 09, 2023

    TEW NAI TONG : Shepherds, 1990

    Est: RM7,500 - RM12,000

    Tew Nai Tong’s artistic prowess lies in his ability to establish harmonious dialogues between color and form. With a deft hand, he intertwines vibrant hues and fluid brushwork, constructing compositions that evoke emotional resonance. Texture plays a pivotal role in Tew Nai Tong’s artistic expression, adding depth and tactile allure to his compositions. The interplay of impasto techniques, glazes, and delicately etched lines generates a sensory experience, engaging both sight and touch. Tew Nai Tong’s gestural expressions infuse the artworks with a sense of dynamic movement, capturing fleeting moments of energy and contemplation. This is evident in ‘Shepherds, 1990’ featuring two shepherds, a female and male, with the former herding a flock of goats.

    KLAS Art Auction
  • TEW NAI TONG : Birds, 1962
    Jul. 09, 2023

    TEW NAI TONG : Birds, 1962

    Est: RM18,000 - RM30,000

    Born in 1936, Klang, Tew Nai Tong started his early education at the Peng Hwa Chinese School at the age of seven. At 18, he decided that he wanted to pursue his dream of being an artist, a proper artist. With his mind set on painting as a means of living, he moved to Singapore and enrolled at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and spent two years there to complete his studies. Focusing on sketching, watercolours and landscape painting during his early years at NAFA, he, along with his contemporaries, became part of the watercolours movement in Malaysia, promoting the art style to the people. Illustrated here is a combination of Tew Nai Tong’s hallmarks in his artworks. Said hallmarks include females in rural settings, scenes from the everyday trade and agricultural activities and depictions of the simple life. The artist had an exemplary way of perceiving the simple life, enriching the visualisation of villages through his profound, vibrant paintings.

    KLAS Art Auction
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Girls And Flowers, 2007
    Jun. 25, 2023

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Girls And Flowers, 2007

    Est: RM5,000 - RM8,000

    A work that appeals to the senses, Girls And Flowers portrays two lovely damsels who are seemingly admiring a bouquet of red anthurium flowers, exuding elegance and femininity. The graceful curves of the figures, and the clever arrangement of coloured shapes demonstrate the artist's signature Nanyang style. Her pale, ivory complexion is juxtaposed delicately with the bouquet enriched with a palette of red, beige, green and blue. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux- Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2 nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Joy Of Living, 2011
    Jun. 25, 2023

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Joy Of Living, 2011

    Est: RM10,000 - RM18,000

    Filled with blissful contentment and peace, this work illustrates one of Nai Tong's beloved subjects, cow-herding in a rural landscape. A romantic scene, it features a couple watching over their cattle, surrounded by warm golden pastures. The bodies of Nai Tong's lively and animated herd of cows are wonderfully painted in nuanced colours of blue, ochre, and white colours. Tew Nai Tong reached the pinnacle of his career in the Odyssey survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007, celebrating 50 years of painting. He held his first solo at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, in 1964. Trained in the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts (1967-1968) after a stint at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, he won 2 nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964), Shell Award (watercolours, 1981), Esso Award (1982), Dunlop Award (watercolours, 1983), and the Asia Art Award (Malaysian level) in Seoul, South Korea in 2009. He decided to become a full time artist in 1992, after teaching in three art institutions for a total 23 years. He co-founded the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery and jointly established the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolour Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • TEW Nai Tong (Malaysian 1936-2013), Landscape, signed and dated lower left '71 (37.5x56cm) and Artist Unknown, signed with seal (33x..
    May. 21, 2023

    TEW Nai Tong (Malaysian 1936-2013), Landscape, signed and dated lower left '71 (37.5x56cm) and Artist Unknown, signed with seal (33x..

    Est: $200 - $300

    TEW, Nai Tong (Malaysian 1936-2013) Landscape, signed and dated lower left '71 (37.5x56cm) and Artist Unknown, signed with seal (33x67cm) W/Clr (2)

    Davidson Auctions
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Untitled, 1958; 1958; 1957
    Mar. 19, 2023

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Untitled, 1958; 1958; 1957

    Est: RM2,000 - RM3,800

    Klang-born Tew Nai Tong had already shown early promise, as can be attested by these three early drawings of classical statues and one from life, a portrait, probably of a classmate who bore a little resemblance to him on the top half, done when studying at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore in 1957-1958. Nai Tong returned to Malaya, and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He then decided to further his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go fulltime in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, called Odyssey.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Golden Time 3, 1992
    Mar. 19, 2023

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Golden Time 3, 1992

    Est: RM35,000 - RM50,000

    Golden time is redolent with blissful contentment and happiness, even when working whether in the padi-fields, rubber estate or cow-herding. Life was simpler then with minimal needs. The family unit was stronger and the natural undeveloped environs fostered a healthier lifestyle and a closer-knit communal spirit, with pastimes like kite-flying and bird-rearing which were later replaced by modern distractions like television, handphone, and computers. Water came from the streams or wells, and paraffin lamps helped ease mobility at night. It is such a rapturously happy life that one could expect the women balancing buckets of tapped latex to break out into a song and dance. Tew Nai Tong pays tribute to the halcyon days of a newly independent and emerging Malaya of the simple unhurried life and innocence, of people with greater affinity to land and their livestock, of closer relationships among family, friends and the community. Having grown up in the rubber estate, he shows empathy with the rubber tappers he re-created onto his canvas. The rubber tappers would start their day in the wee hours and return with buckets filled with the latex strung on poles carried over their shoulders or balanced on the head. Tew Nai Tong reached the pinnacle of his career in the Odyssey survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007, celebrating 50 years of painting. He held his first solo at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, in 1964. Trained in the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts (1967-1968) after a stint at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964), Shell Award (watercolours, 1981), Esso Award (1982), Dunlop Award (watercolours, 1983), and the Asia Art Award (Malaysian level) in Seoul, South Korea in 2009. He decided to become a full time artist in 1992, after teaching in three art institutions for a total 23 years. He co-founded the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery and jointly established the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolour Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Rubber Tappers, 1978
    Mar. 19, 2023

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) Rubber Tappers, 1978

    Est: RM28,000 - RM40,000

    Tew Nai Tong pays tribute to the halcyon days of a newly independent and emerging Malaya of the simple unhurried life and innocence, of people with greater affinity to land and their livestock, of closer relationships among family, friends and the community. Having grown up in the rubber estate, he shows empathy with the rubber tappers he re-created onto his canvas. The rubber tappers would start their day in the wee hours and return with buckets filled with the latex strung on poles carried over their shoulders or balanced on the head. Tew Nai Tong reached the pinnacle of his career in the Odyssey survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007, celebrating 50 years of painting. He held his first solo at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, in 1964. Trained in the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts (1967-1968) after a stint at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964), Shell Award (watercolours, 1981), Esso Award (1982), Dunlop Award (watercolours, 1983), and the Asia Art Award (Malaysian level) in Seoul, South Korea in 2009. He decided to become a full time artist in 1992, after teaching in three art institutions for a total 23 years. He co-founded the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery and jointly established the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolour Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) A Beautiful Day
    Mar. 19, 2023

    Tew Nai Tong (b. 1936 - 2013) A Beautiful Day

    Est: RM7,000 - RM12,000

    Using the birdcage and figures symbolically, Nai Tong expressed his perspectives on the importance of peace, the joy of living in simplicity, dignity, and of living with nature. Here, Nai Tong explores the relationship between people and nature. A figure in the foreground gently holds a bird, enriched with a tree with sturdy branches. Tew Nai Tong received his early art education at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore (NAFA), graduating in 1958. He worked for a while to raise funds for his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts, Paris (1967-1968). In the early years, he signed his work as 'Chang Nai Tong'. His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur in 1964 and he had his retrospective at the National Art Gallery Malaysia in 2007. He taught at the Malaysian Institute of Art from 1969 to 1980, the Central Academy of Art from 1982 to 1985 and the Saito Academy of Art (head of department, 1986-1988). He concentrated fulltime in art in 1992. His awards included Second Prize, Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964); Shell Watercolour Award (1981); Best Award, Esso (1982); Dunlop Watercolour Award (1983); and Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul in 2009. He is the co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society (1982-1983) and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association (1994) and the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Malay Ladies, 1990
    Jan. 11, 2023

    Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Malay Ladies, 1990

    Est: RM1,000 - RM1,800

    Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Malay Ladies, 1990

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Girls And Flowers, 2007
    Nov. 06, 2022

    Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Girls And Flowers, 2007

    Est: RM6,000 - RM10,000

    A work that appeals to the senses, Girls And Flowers portrays lovely damsels who are seemingly admiring a bouquet of red anthurium flowers, exuding elegance and femininity. The graceful curves of the figure, and the clever arrangement of coloured shapes demonstrate the artist's signature Nanyang style. Her pale, ivory complexion is juxtaposed delicately with the bouquet enriched with a palette of red, beige, green and blue. Tew Nai Tong furthered his art studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968). On his return, he taught at several academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985), and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988), before turning fulltime in 1992. His first exhibition was at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964. His career culminated in a survey exhibition called Odyssey at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. Among his awards are 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition 1964; Shell Watercolour Award 1981; Best Award, Esso 1982; and the Dunlop Watercolour Award 1983. He was the adviser to the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Golden Time 6, 2011
    Nov. 06, 2022

    Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Golden Time 6, 2011

    Est: RM32,000 - RM60,000

    Golden time is redolent with blissful contentment and happiness, even when working whether in the padi-fields, rubber estate or cow-herding. Life was simpler then with minimal needs. The family unit was stronger and the natural undeveloped environs fostered a healthier lifestyle and a closer-knit communal spirit, with pastimes like kite-flying and bird-rearing which were later replaced by modern distractions like television and computers. Water came from the streams or wells, and paraffin lamps helped ease mobility at night. It is such a rapturously happy life that one could expect the women balancing buckets of tapped latex to break out into a song and dance. There is a touch of humour in the painting of these industrious womenfolk, 'photobombed' by a stray monitor lizard on the bottom left. Typically nostalgic. Tew Nai Tong reached the pinnacle of his career in the Odyssey survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, in 2007, celebrating 50 years of painting. He held his first solo at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, in 1964. Trained in the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts (1967-1968) after a stint at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964), Shell Award (watercolours, 1981), Esso Award (1982), Dunlop Award (watercolours, 1983), and the Asia Art Award (Malaysian level) in Seoul, South Korea in 2009. He decided to become a full time artist in 1992, after teaching in three art institutions for a total 23 years. He co-founded the now defunct Le Beaux Art Gallery and jointly established the Malaysian Watercolour Society and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolour Association.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Boats
    Nov. 06, 2022

    Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Boats

    Est: RM4,000 - RM7,000

    A picturesque scene of boats and fishermen is deftly illustrated with subtle tones. Executed with painterly brush strokes and harmonious colours, this work showcases the vibrancy and laid-back atmosphere of the coast. Nai Tong returned to Malaysia and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He furthered his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des BeauxArts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go full time in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, called Odyssey. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Alor Setar Padi Field, 2002
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Alor Setar Padi Field, 2002

    Est: RM5,000 - RM8,000

    The present work is a classic example of Tew Nai Tong’s style, characterized by a fusion of Nanyang school and post-impressionist techniques. Here, Nai Tong used a tranquil palette to express the serenity of the verdant paddy fields in Alor Setar, Kedah. Details such as the rustic village houses partly hidden by vegetation, complemented by tall coconut trees and blue skies convey the sights and senses of the Malaysian landscape. Nai Tong infused the scene with a feeling of airiness and movement, enlivening the expansive agricultural vista through delicate brushstrokes. Tew Nai Tong studied at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (1967- 1968) after a fast-track stint at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, from 1957-1958. He helped set up the Malaysian Watercolour Society, and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolour Association, and co-founded the Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition, Odyssey, at the National Art Gallery, Malaysia. He won best awards in the Shell (watercolour, 1981), Esso (1982), Dunlop (watercolour, 1983) competitions. He was the 2009 Malaysian winner of the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. He had lectured at three art academies for 23 years before deciding to go fulltime in 1992.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Bali Beach, 2002
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Bali Beach, 2002

    Est: RM9,000 - RM15,000

    The Balinese jukung canoe was especially popular during the time of Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres (1880-1958). The small wooden outrigger canoe is still used for fishing although modern versions use High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polythene. It has a marlin-like prow with a crab claw sail. It must have been a day off for the fishermen as the jukung were parked on shore, and two vendors could be seen carrying a basket, one on the head. Some activity could be discerned in the background dominated by a cluster of stilt hutments. Tew Nai Tong studied at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (1967- 1968) after a fast-track stint at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, from 1957-1958. He helped set up the Malaysian Watercolour Society, and the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolour Association, and co-founded the Le Beaux Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition, Odyssey, at the National Art Gallery, Malaysia. He won best awards in the Shell (watercolour, 1981), Esso (1982), Dunlop (watercolour, 1983) competitions. He was the 2009 Malaysian winner of the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea. He had lectured at three art academies for 23 years before deciding to go fulltime in 1992.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
  • Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Market Scene
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Tew Nai Tong (b. Selangor, 1936 - 2013) Market Scene

    Est: RM4,000 - RM7,000

    A keen observer of his surroundings, Tew Nai Tong presents a captivating trio of paintings capturing depictions of life and activities on a busy market street. An assortment of produce is offered to buyers casually strolling past the stalls, giving the work an animated sense of movement. The beautiful colours make these works truly delightful. Nai Tong returned to Malaysia and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He furthered his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des BeauxArts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go full time in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, called Odyssey. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea.

    Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
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