LOT 17
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO
B. China, 1914 – 2008
Mother with Children – Feeding the Baby, circa 1980’s
Batik
85.5 x 88.5 cm
Private Collection, Australia
Signed “Teng” on lower right. Published on Page 52 of 2024 AAADA, Antiques & Art Fair, Melbourne
RM 60,000 – 90,000
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.