LOT 49
CHUA MIA TEE
B. China, 1931
The Bell, Circa 1980’s
Watercolour on paper
30 x 40 cm
Private Collection, Singapore
Signed “M.T. Chua” with artist stamp on lower right
RM 4,000 – 8,000
Chua Mia Tee is one of Singapore’s most distinguished artists, renowned for his mastery of realist painting and his sensitive portrayals of everyday life. Born in Shantou, China, and later settling in Singapore, Chua gained prominence for works that document the social and cultural fabric of Southeast Asia. While he is widely recognised for his socially conscious oil paintings, his watercolours reveal an equally accomplished command of atmosphere, light, and narrative detail. His works are held in major public and private collections, including those of the National Gallery Singapore. In The Bell, Chua Mia Tee captures a moment of quiet observation within a traditional temple setting. Dominating the composition is a large ceremonial bell suspended from a wooden beam, its imposing presence serving as both a visual and symbolic focal point. Beneath it, a monk and a street peddler occupy the scene, their contrasting roles reflecting the intersection of spiritual devotion and everyday life.