Lot 43 | Auction XXI

LOT 43

Khaw Sia
B. China, 1913-1984

Brasso Yellowhammer

Inscribed in Chinese and signed “Khaw Sia” with seal of the artist on lower right

Watercolour on paper

50.5 x 31 cm

Provenance Private Collection, Kelantan

RM 5,000 – RM 8,000

Despite being an adept, flexible and brilliant artist, Khaw Sia also cultivated a true passion for orchids. Being a member of the American Orchid Society, his passion led him to extensive travels around Asia in search of new species for his garden.

His love for orchids also evidently translated onto paper, and he relayed his fascination through his art, depicting the orchids’ delicacy and allure, rich colours of radiance and bursting with life.

Khaw Sia was born in China and migrated to Penang in 1937. He took watercolour painting lessons under Sir Russell Flint in England and he has won a number of awards for his art, such as the Le Salon Paris in 1956 and the National Society 25th Exhibition in England in 1958.