Published on 12 Jun 2025

Untitled (Godown at Singapore River)

A calligraphy ink artwork by Cultural Medallion recipient Lim Tze Peng depicting the Singapore River in its early days

Lim Tze Peng - Untitled (Godown at Singapore River)

Year: 2011

Material: Chinese Ink on Paper

Dimensions: 254 x 517 cm

Location: Nanyang Auditorium, Level 3 - See location on NTU maps


Untitled (Godown at Singapore River) is NTU Museum's largest painting. Not only does it celebrate the old Singapore River, it offers younger generations a glimpse into the disappearing historical landscape of Singapore.

Lim Tze Peng is acclaimed for his unique style of ink painting, which boasts rich brushwork and tonal details, often seen as a representation of the Nanyang Style in the ink medium. One of Lim's favourite muses is the iconic Singapore River, painting its vibrant and rustic charm countless times with each portrayal capturing a different facet of its allure.


Artist: Lim Tze Peng

Lim Tze Peng was born in 1921 and earned acclaim as a Singaporean artist. A former school principal who retired in the early 1980s, Lim was bestowed the prestigious Cultural Medallion by the Singapore government in 2003. Transitioning from teaching to painting, his career flourished with notable exhibitions. From landscape paintings of old Chinatown to abstract calligraphic expressions, Lim's artistry evolved through the  years and his passion persists even as a centenarian. 

Artist bio adapted from LimTzePeng100.com

More about Lim Tze Peng on NLB Resource Guide


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