Nanyang Sim Clan Association

Formerly known as the “Sim Study Room” when it was established in 1923, its founding mission was to worship the Marquis of Military Virtue (Ancestor Shen). It aims to maintain harmony and seek welfare for its clansmen, thereby promoting the spirit of the Sim clan.     

At the same time, the association values and promotes education by giving out scholarships and bursaries every year. This way, the Sim descendants would strive to achieve good grades, and contribute to society after graduation. 

The association also participates in charitable acts and organises relevant educational seminars. Their entry of Bamboo Blessings by Sun Yee and a calligraphy piece by Yang Zongsheng will add lustre to the Treasures of the Clans exhibition.

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Sun Yee
Wishing for peace
1991
Ink and colour on paper
68 x 113cm
Inscription:
For the graceful perusal of the Sim Clan Association, respectfully painted in the xinwei year (1991).


Sun Yee (1919-2010), a well-known female local artist and art educator, painted this work for the Singapore Nanyang Sim Clan Association in 1991. 

The two clusters of bamboo convey refined tranquillity and tender elegance. The brushwork and imagery resemble Yuan dynasty’s Mdm Guan Daosheng. In traditional Chinese culture, bamboos are associated with scholars. They are known for their graceful poise and admirable modesty. As they flourish in winter and grow through the tumultuous seasons, they best represent the firmness and gentleness of an honourable gentleman.

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Yang Zongsheng
Leaning happily against the flowers under the moonlight before the Great Hall; Listening to the slumbering rustling leaves of the parasol trees and autumn wind against the curtains
Undated
Ink on paper
131 x 31cm
Inscription:  Yang Zongsheng.
Seals: Yang (characters in red), Seal of Zongsheng (characters in white)


Certain phrases in this couplet can be found in the Complete Collection of Tang Poems. Composition of such couplets was a common practice among the literati during their social gatherings. By using famous quotes of the past in new poems, the classical rhyme and form are maintained. This is somewhat similar to the Western method of composing crossword puzzles.

This calligraphy uses clerical script (lishu), which is characterised by frequent twists and turns in strokes with a “head like a silkworm, and tail like a swallow”. Yet, Yang does not completely follow the conventional style, by adding some individualistic touches. The calligrapher’s mastery is seen in his strong execution of brushwork and composition of the characters.