Batik Painting Museum PenangBatik Painting Museum Penang (23 March 2013)


Batik Painting Museum Penang (GPS: 5.41493, 100.33778) is a specialty museum along Armenian Street, in George Town, Penang. It is a manifestation of the love for batik by art patron Dr Tan Chong Guan. The museum occupies a three-storey Straits Eclectic-style shophouse at 19 Armenian Street.

Purchased in 2010, the museum underwent a three-year restoration before having its soft opening on 1 October, 2013. The museum fulfills Dr Tan's desire of founding a museum that showcases the history of batik in Malaysia. This is probably the first and only museum of its kind in the country. The museum showcases many of the art pieces by artists who were central in making batik an artform. There is about 70 pieces of batik paintings exhibited on three levels.

Dr Tan Chong GuanDr Tan Chong Guan, founder of the museum, interpreting the batik pieces for the benefit of members of Penang Heritage Trust (6 October 2013)


Batik Painting Museum Penang galleryBatik Painting Museum Penang gallery (6 October 2013)


Dr Tan Chong Guan has had an interest in the fine arts for decades. He began cultivating an interest for batik in the 1970s, and since then, had assembled an impressive collection of work by various local as well as a few foreign artists. In the 1950's, when Dr Tan was still studying at the Han Chiang High School, he had had the privilege of having for his art teacher, the late Dato' Chuah Thean Teng. Although the then Mr Chuah was at the threshold of developing batik as an artform, he did not teach the batik painting techniques he was developing to his school students. And he would not have known that one of his students would one day become among his most ardent fans and patrons.

Although batik is often regarded as originating from Indonesia, its use as an art medium began in Malaysia, and particularly in Penang. Dato' Chuah, or popularly known simply as Teng, was central to the development.

About Dato' Chuah Thean Teng

The China-born Teng had studied art at the Amoy Art School, in Xiamen, China. After migrating to Malaya, he worked as an art teacher in school. As he explored the various art mediums, he observed that while batik was often used for utilitarian purposes - in the printing of sarongs, for example, it wasn't developed as an artform. This provided him the impetus to experiment with the medium.

Woman with Fruit BasketDato' Chuah Thean Teng: Woman with Fruit Basket (1950) (6 October 2013)


One of the earliest examples of batik art exhibited at the Batik Painting Museum Penang is Dato' Chuah Thean Teng's Woman with Fruit Basket, a batik-on-silk piece. Completed in 1950, it shows one of the earliest use of batik as an artform. At that time, the style is still a transition between regular painting and batik.

Another of Teng's early work, Bullock Cart, a batik on cloth, also from the 1950's is yet another example of the early development of batik.

Bullock CartDato' Chuah Thean Teng: Bullock Cart (1950's) (6 October 2013)


Even in the early period of developing the batik painting artform, Teng had experimented with abstract works. One of those in the museum's collection is In the Art Studio, a batik-on-cloth piece.

In the Art StudioIn the Art Studio (1950's) (6 October 2013)


Even in the 1950's, Teng was already pushing the boundaries of the batik painting medium, coming out with creative methods to produce intricate batik patterns. In the seemingly simple Chickens, a batik-on-cloth piece, this can be seen in the highly involved plumage of the chickens.

ChickensDato' Chuah Thean Teng: Chickens (1950's) (6 October 2013)


The stylized figures that were to become Chuah Thean Teng's hallmark first manifested in the 1960s. Though China-born, Teng is remarkably observant of the way of life in Malaya, and absorb these for his paintings. He probably drew inspiration from other tribal works of art, judging from the way he drew the eyes and the lips in his figures. This form of batik painting was eventually emulated by other batik painters.

Combing HairDato' Chuah Thean Teng: Combing Hair (1960's) (6 October 2013)


The choice of natives as the subject provides the opportunity to showcase intricate batik in the form of the sarongs and other fabrics worn by them. An example of this, from the 1960s, is Combing Hair, a batik on cloth.

Also in the 1960's, Teng began framing the subject into a circle. The piece Women at Home, a batik on cloth from that period, shows three women framed into a circle. The pattern on the sarong of the woman on the left is mirrored by that on the right.

Women at HomeDato' Chuah Thean Teng: Women at Home (1960's) (6 October 2013)

About Dato' Tay Mo-Leong

While China-born Dato' Chuah Thean Teng is credited with pioneering the use of batik as an artform, the most influential Penang-born batik artist is undoubtedly Dato' Tay Mo-Leong. Representing a generation down from Teng, Dato' Tay studied art at the Provincial Taipei Normal College. This perhaps explains the Chinese influences reflected in the early batik pieces of this Chung Ling Secondary School alumnus.

Upon his return from Taiwan, Tay apprenticed under Teng for a while, hoping to learn something. However, he discovered that he could not pry any techniques from the master, so he resolutely set forth to develop his own style of batik painting.

Rubber TreesDato Tay Mo-Leong: Rubber Trees (1961) (6 October 2013)


One of Dato' Tay Mo-Leong's earliest pieces is Rubber Trees. This batik-on-cloth piece was done in 1961, when Tay was just 23 years old, and had recently returned from Taiwan. How he rendered the two rubber trees reflects the influences he received from Chinese ink-style paintings.

Dato' Tay's early pieces from the 1960's tend to be restrained in the use of batik. It was also a period where he was still finding his style, and deciding how best to showcase the medium. The piece Kampong House from 1963, is a batik on cloth that looks almost like an acrylic painting.

Kampong HouseDato Tay Mo-Leong: Kampong House (1963) (6 October 2013)


The hallmark of Dato' Tay's batik pieces is the cracking style he employs to the background. We see this in his early piece, Rubber Tree as well as Kampong House. It manifests itself once more in Japanese Dolls, one of two pieces which Tay painted for an exhibition in Japan in 1966. Dr Tan Chong Guan manged to get Dato Tay to sell him this piece to be exhibited at the Batik Painting Museum Penang.

Japanese DollsDato' Tay Mo-Leong: Japanese Dolls (1966) (6 October 2013)


The use of batik as an artform was gathering popularity by the late 1960s, so when the Rasa Sayang Hotel was being constructed, the hotel commissioned Tay to paint six batik pieces. Tay did seven. Dr Tan managed to get Tay to sell him that one remaining piece that did not go to the hotel.

Known simply as Landscape, this batik on cloth from 1969 is now exhibited alongside other early works by Tay. This piece reflects the evolution of Tay's style, moving away from the Chinese ink painting influences of his early works, towards more indigenous motifs.

By 1970s, Tay was creating increasingly sophisticated batik paintings. They reflect local as well as foreign influences. Balinese motifs became a recurring theme for many of Tay's pieces during this period, a couple of which can be seen in the museum. One of these is a gorgeous piece on cloth, called Bali Festivity.

Bali FestivityBali Festivity (6 October 2013)


In recognition of their contribution to the development of batik, Chuah Thean Teng and Tay Mo-Leong were two of three artists honoured by the country in 2004, the other one being Khalil Ibrahim, mentor to Ismail Mat Hussin.

Other Artists

Dato' Chuah Thean Teng and Dato' Tay Mo-Leong are certainly not the only artists exhibited at the Batik Painting Museum Penang. A contemporary of Dato' Tay is Lim Khoon Hock, better known as Toya, a batik painter renowned for his experimentation with the medium. Many of Toya's pieces can be described as a fusion of styles, pushing the limit of what could be called batik. Among his works exhibited at the museum include At the Beach, a batik on cloth from 1968, and Goats, another batik on cloth, from 1969.

At the BeachToya Lim Khoon Huat: At the Beach (1968) (6 October 2013)


GoatsToya Lim Khoon Huat: Goats (1969) (6 October 2013)


Like myself, the museum owner was a former council member of the Penang Heritage Trust. However, I did not know that the PHT manager's late father was an artist. That was a most pleasant surprise to me, when Dr Tan showed two pieces by by the late Ho Hee Khim. The subject of both pieces, painted in the 1990's, was orchids.

OrchidsHo Hee Khim: Orchids (1990's) (6 October 2013)


Today, perhaps the most masterly living practitioner of the art of batik painting has got to be Ismail Mat Hussin. His pieces tend to be highly evocative and ultimately mersmerizing. They reflect his love for details and a clear passion for rural life.

As with Dato' Tay Mo-Leong and Toya Lim Khoon Huat, Ismail Mat Hussin was born in Pantai Sabak, Kota Bharu, in 1938. However, he was still actively painting, and continues to produce masterpieces right into his seventies. Among his batik-on-cloth pieces at the museum include Market Place, from 2005, Two Trishaws from 2008, and After the Catch, from 2009.

Market PlaceIsmail Mat Hussin: Market Place (2005) (6 October 2013)


Two TrishawsIsmail Mat Hussin: Two Trishaws (2008) (6 October 2013)


After the CatchAfter the Catch (6 October 2013)

Visitor Information

Batik Painting Museum Penang
19 Armenian Street
10200 George Town, Penang
Phone: +60 4 262 4800
Email: batikpg@gmail.com Website: www.batikpg.com

Opening Hours
Mondays - Fridays: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
closed on Sundays and public holidays
Admission: RM5.00

Getting there

The Batik Painting Museum Penang is reachable on foot from the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. Cross Weld Quay by the pedestrian bridge then turn left and walk along Weld Quay until you reach the junction with Armenian Street Ghaut on your right. Go along Armenian Street Ghaut, which after the intersection with Beach Street continues as Armenian Street. The museum is on the left side of Armenian Street, a short distance from the Beach Street intersection.

Location of the Batik Painting Museum on the map

Acknowledgement

Penang Travel Tips expresses its thanks to Dr Tan Chong Guan for graciously opening the Batik Painting Museum Penang and for providing the details in this article.

List of Museums in Penang and Museums in Malaysia

 Buy, rent or sell properties in Penang

Do you have a property for sale or to rent out? Are you looking to buy or rent a property? Get in touch with me. WhatsApp me (Timothy Tye) at 012 429 9844, and I will assign one of my property agents to serve you. I will choose the agent for you, according to your property needs. So when you message me, provide me some details of what you need, whether to sell, to buy, to rent or to rent out, and what type of property, is it condo, apartment, house, shop, office or land.

Adakah anda mempunyai hartanah untuk dijual atau disewakan? Adakah anda ingin membeli atau menyewa hartanah? Hubungi saya. WhatsApp saya (Timothy Tye) di 012 429 9844, dan saya akan menugaskan salah seorang ejen hartanah saya untuk berkhidmat kepada anda. Saya akan pilih ejen untuk anda, mengikut keperluan hartanah anda. Oleh itu, apabila anda menghantar mesej kepada saya, berikan saya beberapa butiran tentang apa yang anda perlukan, sama ada untuk menjual, untuk membeli, untuk disewakan atau untuk disewakan, dan jenis hartanah apakah itu kondo, pangsapuri, rumah, kedai, pejabat atau tanah.

您有待出售或出租的房产吗? 您想购买或租赁房产吗? 与我联系。 WhatsApp 我 (Timothy Tye) 012 429 9844,我将指派一名房地产经纪人为您服务。 我会根据您的房产需求,为您选择代理。 因此,当您给我发消息时,请向我提供一些您需要的详细信息,无论是出售、购买、出租还是出租,以及房产类型,是公寓、公寓、房屋、商店、办公室还是土地。

 New Properties in Penang

Looking to buy property in Penang? Get the e-brochures right here without having to visit or contact individual developers.

  1. Anggun Residences E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  2. Aston Acacia E-Brochure, Bukit Mertajam
  3. Beacon Executive Suites E-Brochure, George Town
  4. Beverly Heights @ Bukit Gambir E-Brochure, Gelugor
  5. BM Highland E-Brochure, Bukit Mertajam
  6. Cypress Villa E-Brochure, Sungai Ara
  7. D'Zone Condominium E-Brochure, Teluk Kumbar
  8. Elements Garden E-Brochure, Butterworth
  9. Ferringhi Residence 2 E-Brochure, Batu Ferringhi
  10. GEM Residences E-Brochure, Prai
  11. Golden Triangle 2 E-Brochure, Sungai Ara/Relau
  12. Grace Residence E-Brochure, Jelutong
  13. Granito @ Permai E-Brochure, Tanjong Bungah
  14. Green City Residence E-Brochure, Jelutong
  15. Havana Beach Residences E-Brochure, Bayan Lepas
  16. Imperial Residences E-Brochure, Sungai Ara/Relau
  17. Imperial Grande E-Brochure, Sungai Ara/Relau
  18. Lucerne Residence E-Brochure, Bayan Lepas
  19. Mezzo @ The Light City E-Brochure, Gelugor
  20. Middleton E-Brochure, Gelugor
  21. Orchard Villa 3 E-Brochure, Simpang Ampat
  22. Primero Heights E-Brochure, Permatang Pauh
  23. Queens Waterfront Q2 E-Brochure, Bayan Lepas
  24. Royale Heights @ Tambun Royale City E-Brochure, Simpang Ampat
  25. Royale Infinity @ Tambun Royale City E-Brochure, Simpang Ampat
  26. Rubica @ Harbour Place E-Brochure, Butterworth
  27. Sensasi Commercial Suites E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  28. Setia Sky Ville E-Brochure, Jelutong
  29. Setia Sky Vista E-Brochure, Sungai Ara/Relau
  30. Setia V Residence E-Brochure, Gurney Drive
  31. Sinaran Residence E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  32. Sky @ TriPark E-Brochure, Bukit Mertajam
  33. Skyridge Garden E-Brochure, Tanjong Tokong
  34. Starhill Luxury Residences E-Brochure, Gelugor
  35. Straits Residences E-Brochure, Tanjong Tokong
  36. Taman Nuri Emas E-Brochure, Nibong Tebal
  37. The Light Collection IV E-Brochure, Gelugor
  38. The Loft @ Southbay E-Brochure, Batu Maung
  39. The Terraces Condominium E-Brochure, Bukit Jambul
  40. Trehaus Condo Villas E-Brochure, Bukit Jambul
  41. Triuni Residences E-Brochure, Batu Uban
  42. Urban Suites E-Brochure, Tanjong Tokong
  43. Valencia Residence E-Brochure, Bayan Lepas
  44. Vertu Resort E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  45. Vivo Executive Apartment E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  46. Viluxe E-Brochure, Batu Kawan
  47. Waterside Residence E-Brochure, Gelugor

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips

 Discover with Timothy YouTube Channel

 Discover with Timothy Food Channel

 Learn Penang Hokkien YouTube Channel

SojiMart Videos

 Share your travels and/or ask a travel-related question

Join the Penang Travel Tips Facebook Group to share photos, tips and anything related to your travels, or ask travel-related questions.

Map of Roads in Penang

Looking for information on Penang? Use this Map of Roads in Penang to zoom in on information about Penang, brought to you road by road.

Discover with Timothy

Let me take you to explore and discover Penang through my series of walking tours on YouTube. You may use these videos as your virtual tour guide. At the beginning of each video, I provide the starting point coordinates which you may key into your GPS, Google Maps or Waze, to be navigated to where I start the walk, and use the video as your virtual tour guide.

Disclaimer

Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.

Latest from Discover with Timothy: Gurney Bay - what to see and do there

About this website



Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.

Copyright © 2003-2024 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.