Lim Tze Peng, Autumn Ascent of Wan Mountain for Zhang Wu (秋登万山寄张五 - 孟浩然), Undated
Chinese ink on paper
99 x 99 cm (visible), 121 x 121 x 6 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good
Acquired from Ode to Art Gallery, Singapore in 2015.
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Lim Tze Peng writes the words of 秋登万山寄张五 or Autumn Ascent of Wan Mountain for Zhang Wu by Tang Dynasty poet Meng Haoran (689-740)
北山白云里，隐者自怡悦。
相望始登高，心随雁飞灭。
愁因薄暮起，兴是清秋发。
时见归村人，平沙渡头歇。
天边树若荠，江畔舟如月。
何当载酒来，共醉重阳节。
Translated, it means:
That northern peak enveloped in pearly clouds, brings jubilation to my reclusive heart.
I attempt the climb with a mind to survey the land from up high, while my heart soars with the swans.
Twilight is the harbinger of gloom, but then again late autumn is a time for joyous merriment.
I often observe from a vantage point the villagers returning home, watching as they recline on sandy beaches at the place of the ferry crossing.
The horizon is filled with trees as small as a shepherd's satchel, and gazing downward I view the banks of the shore in the moonlight.
What harm could befall me if I were to bring fine wine to the mountain, to gaily celebrate the Double Ninth Festival.
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Lim Tze Peng 林子平 (Singaporean, 1921-2025), renowned as one of Singapore’s foremost visual artists, particularly revered within the realm of Chinese ink and calligraphy, this esteemed centenarian stood as a beacon of artistic excellence. Lim, mastery of the significant Nanyang Style, a hallmark of Singapore’s early art scene, was palpable in his early Chinese ink paintings, showcasing a profound connection to cultural roots.
Embarking on his artistic odyssey in the vibrant 1950s, alongside his 30-year tenure as the principal of Xinmin Secondary School, this self-taught artist meticulously crafted a body of work that dove deep into the cultural and critical landscapes. In 2003, Lim’s unparalleled contributions to Singaporean art and culture were formally recognised as he was bestowed with the prestigious Cultural Medallion (Visual Arts), a testament to his enduring legacy and pivotal role in shaping the nation’s artistic narrative.
(Photographed in July 2026)