Master’s strokes on display

(Front row, centre) Kee holding the poster of the ‘Calligraphy Exhibition of Master Zheng Yi Feng’ with Calligraphy Society of Malaysia committee members at the press conference in Kuala Lumpur. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

THE Calligraphy Society of Malaysia is organising an exhibition tour titled “Calligraphy Exhibition of Master Zheng Yi Feng” and its first stop is the Royal Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur.

Fifty calligraphy works of the late Master Zheng will be on display during the three-day exhibition which runs from March 15 to 17.

These precious works are part of the personal collection of Datuk Seri Kee Yong Wee who first met Zheng through his father’s old friend back in 1982.

“I have been very passionate about collecting calligraphy pieces for the past two or three decades.

“It was partly due to the strong impression made by Zheng’s works when I helped him with his first solo exhibition,” said Kee, an adviser for the Calligraphy Society of Malaysia.

Zheng, originally from China, served as SJK(C) Sin Hwa headmaster from 1957 to 1971 in Perak.

He was often touted as Malaysia’s No 1 calligrapher.

Kee said it was a testament to Zheng’s mastery and determination that he improved his calligraphy skills on foreign soil.

According to Kee, calligraphy is widely regarded as a priceless national treasure over in China, where some pieces can be auctioned off at staggering prices up to RM258mil.

“However, the most expensive pieces are not for sale and are kept by museums all over the world,” he added.

Kee also advised people to take up calligraphy as a hobby when they grow older.

“It does not matter how old you are, as long as you have the will to learn,” he said.

Speaking at the press conference held on the 30th anniversary of Zheng’s passing, Calligraphy Society of Malaysia judging committee chairman Ng Swee Kheng heaped praises on Zheng and the legacy he left behind.

“It was under his patient tutelage that I learnt hard work and perseverance will pay off in the end.

“I am eternally grateful for the years I got to spend with my master.

“I hope this exhibition of his greatest works will inspire the future generation for years to come,” said Ng.

Also present at the press conference was Calligraphy Society of Malaysia research head Adam Ng, who expressed his gratitude towards Kee for showcasing his treasured personal collection of Zheng’s works for the exhibition.

The collection consists of calligraphy by Zheng in his twilight years before he passed away in 1989.

The calligraphy exhibition will later head to Melaka and Ipoh in the next few months.

The exhibition is open to the public and admission is free.