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The Atelier of Shadows
Paintings 绘. 水墨
Promises Under the Magnolia Tree
50cm x 61cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Chinese Ink, Gold Ink
The Unbeatable Beast
60cm x 23cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Chinese Ink, Gold Ink
This is the story of the side character of these series: Hang Lekiu and Yue-er. Both imperial servants fall in love with each other. Their love is pure and blessed by the fairy mouse deer, the rain and heaven.The mouse deer is a symbolic spiritual animal in the founding of Melaka — a creature whose clever defiance marked the beginning of a new realm. According to local legend, while resting under the shade of a tree—believed to be the Melaka tree (Phyllanthus emblica, or Indian gooseberry) Parameswara witnessed a peculiar encounter: a mouse deer (kancil) cornered by his hunting dogs. To his amazement, the small creature did not cower. Instead, it kicked one of the dogs into a nearby river and escaped. Struck by the courage and intelligence of the mouse deer, Parameswara took it as a good omen—a symbol of resistance, resilience, and spiritual fortitude. He declared, "This is a good place to start a kingdom." He named the place Melaka, after the tree that gave him shelter during this fateful moment. This event symbolized more than just the naming of a city—it marked the birth of a new political and cultural epicenter, destined to become one of the greatest maritime empires in Southeast Asia. From this small yet symbolic beginning, Melaka grew into a thriving port city, strategically located along the Straits of Malacca, connecting East and West. Under the Melaka Sultanate, it became a melting pot of cultures, attracting traders from China, India, Arabia, and Europe, and spreading Islam throughout the region.
Once upon a time, there goes a tiger (Malaysia’s national animal), rampaging through the heart of the village, destroying what is domestic and familiar. The white dots scattered across the painting represent the silent bloodshed, the invisible wounds left in its path. While the image is concerning, it also serves as a reflection: those with status and power, like the tiger, move freely, unchecked. Meanwhile, the villagers — the common people — remain passive, unable to choose their own destiny. They watch, endure, and survive, caught in a system that was never built for their freedom
儷靌殿。满刺加
Old name of Melaka
59.4 cm x 42 cm
Materials: Handmade Paper, Chinese Ink, Gold
Upon the arrival of Hang Li Po with her 500 maidens. Sultan Mansur Shah provided a hill
as their settlement, now known as Bukit Cina, as a gift to his new bride,
Princess Hang Li Po,
in the mid-15th century. Permaisuri Onang Sari (under the blue umbrella)
just in time
to visit
the newly built architecture, which the Sultan has informed to build as similar as possible to the
Forbidden City Palace. Puteri Galoh Candra bowed before the queen and
was ready to fullfill
her duty by giving Li Po an orientation on all the Adat Istiadat Kesultanan Melaka.
Arrival of the Princess of Hang Li Po
61cm x 35cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Chinese Ink
Imagination of Chinese Ming dynasty princess who defied societal norms and
embraced love in the 15th century of Kesultanan Malacca with Sultan Mansur Shah.
Garden of New Beginning
61cm x 35cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Chinese Ink, Gold Ink
梳妆 Morning Dressing
61cm x 35cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Chinese Ink, Gold Ink
Hang Li Po’s Garden
60 cm x 23 cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Gold Ink, Chinese Ink
In the heart of the tropics, the garden bursts with life — a tapestry of vibrant flora drawn from many lands, just like the people who tend it. Fragrant frangipani, fiery hibiscus, and towering banana leaves grow side by side, mirroring the blend of cultures that have long rooted here. This garden is more than beauty; it is a symbol of new beginnings — where diversity flourishes, histories intertwine, and every seed tells a story of resilience, migration, and renewal beneath the tropical sun.
Capturing Puteri Hang Li Po’s intimate morning ritual, combing her hair, applying cosmetics,
and preparing herself for the day ahead, reflecting both her grace and her growing role in a new court.
In this delicate ink and watercolor painting, Puteri Hang Li Po is depicted gracefully walking through a blooming garden, choosing flowers to prepare traditional makeup — a ritual of beauty and refinement. She is surrounded by an elegant blend of Malay inang court ladies and Chinese maidens, each figure captured in fluid brushstrokes that celebrate the cultural harmony of the Melakan court. The cherry blossoms above and the soft tropical grasses below symbolize both the blossoming of new beginnings and the fusion of two great civilizations — a serene portrait of diplomacy, femininity, and shared rituals across cultures.
Farewell
61 cm x 35 cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Chinese Ink, Gold Ink
永别 Farewell :
千日备
月照愁
梦此生
惹云怜
夜鸣歌
化作风
飘相思
Berpisah ngan darah Han selamanya,
Takdirnya untuk hubungan diplomatik,
Harapan bintang,
Lindungan bulan,
Serahkan nasib pada Tanah Melaka.
千日备
月照愁
梦此生
惹云怜
夜鸣歌
化作风
飘相思
Berpisah ngan darah Han selamanya,
Takdirnya untuk hubungan diplomatik,
Harapan bintang,
Lindungan bulan,
Serahkan nasib pada Tanah Melaka.
Art Imitates Life, Life Imitates Chaos
60 cm x 23 cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Gold Ink, Chinese Ink
Wayang Kepadaman Damar: Life in the palace is a whirlwind
of uncertainty, challenges, and political intrigue.
Each day
brings new obstacles to overcome and unforeseen
complications to navigate. Just like the story been played
by the ‘wayang kulit‘, trust is a rare commodity,
and even
the closest allies may harbor hidden motives.
Keturunan (Generation)
80 cm x 43 cm
Materials: Rice Paper, Chinese Ink
The important characters in this series
Family tree of Sultan Mansur Shah.
Left to right: (Raja Ahmad) Putera Muhammad Shah, Puteri Ratu Mahadewi,
(Raja Hussain) Putera Alauddin-Riayat-Shah, Raden Galoh Candra Kirana,
Puteri Hang Li Po, Permaisuri Onang Seri, Sultan Mansur Shah
Ceramic 陶艺
Ceramics have long been among the most enduring artifacts of human history. In earlier times, they served not only as vessels of function and beauty but also as valuable objects in barter systems. The craftsmanship of a single ceramic piece could reflect the economic strength, social structure, and cultural identity of a society.
In exploring the legend of Princess Hang Li Po, the historical trail often leads back to the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah (1459–1477), a timeline that aligns with the Ming Dynasty in China. During the early Ming period (1368–1644), smalt cobalt—brought back by Admiral Zheng He’s maritime expeditions—remained the primary pigment for the renowned blue-and-white porcelain. These porcelain works became symbols of technological sophistication and artistic refinement.
At its peak, Melaka was a thriving center of trade, often referred to by historians as a melting pot of cultures. And the word “pot” feels fitting—both literally and metaphorically—inspiring me to continue telling these layered stories through ceramics.
In exploring the legend of Princess Hang Li Po, the historical trail often leads back to the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah (1459–1477), a timeline that aligns with the Ming Dynasty in China. During the early Ming period (1368–1644), smalt cobalt—brought back by Admiral Zheng He’s maritime expeditions—remained the primary pigment for the renowned blue-and-white porcelain. These porcelain works became symbols of technological sophistication and artistic refinement.
At its peak, Melaka was a thriving center of trade, often referred to by historians as a melting pot of cultures. And the word “pot” feels fitting—both literally and metaphorically—inspiring me to continue telling these layered stories through ceramics.
Bloom in Hope I
SOLD
As Flowers Bloom & Fall
Bloom in Hope II
Double Happiness 囍
2024
Porcelain blooms with motifs of resilience,
longing and feminine grace. In Chinese beliefs, Chrysanthemum represents Purity, in able to accept new things, keep our mind and heart
pure to enable acceptance of new beginning.
Porcelain blooms with motifs of resilience,
longing and feminine grace. In Chinese beliefs, Chrysanthemum represents Purity, in able to accept new things, keep our mind and heart
pure to enable acceptance of new beginning.
2024
Reflects the fleeting grace of diplomacy,
longing, and cultural union, echoing the
journey of Hang Li Po. Like a chrysanthemum
in passing seasons, it honors beauty in
transience and strength in surrender.
Reflects the fleeting grace of diplomacy,
longing, and cultural union, echoing the
journey of Hang Li Po. Like a chrysanthemum
in passing seasons, it honors beauty in
transience and strength in surrender.
2024
Violet porcelain is a rare and evocative
ceramic. Once a symbol of imperial prestige,
the color evokes mystery, spirituality and
regality. It captures both restraint of
tradition and the boldness of reinvention.
Violet porcelain is a rare and evocative
ceramic. Once a symbol of imperial prestige,
the color evokes mystery, spirituality and
regality. It captures both restraint of
tradition and the boldness of reinvention.
2024
Known as “Good Luck Gourd”
Keeping in the goodness and love.
Represents ties of both Malay and Chinese
culture, believe the earliest trace of forming the culture of “Baba and Nyonya”, known as
Peranakan culture in the early 15th century.
Known as “Good Luck Gourd”
Keeping in the goodness and love.
Represents ties of both Malay and Chinese
culture, believe the earliest trace of forming the culture of “Baba and Nyonya”, known as
Peranakan culture in the early 15th century.
Puteri Hang Li Po
SOLD
Hang Li Po’s Well
Sultan Mansur Shah
The Circle of Life
2024
Portrait of Ming Dynasty princess,
Puteri Hang Li Po. A mirror of a dreamy
reflection of her. While historical records
in China remain silent about her existence.
Her story lives on in Malay chronicles
and cultural memory. Blurring the lines
between history and myth. She represents
the quiet power of soft influence.
Portrait of Ming Dynasty princess,
Puteri Hang Li Po. A mirror of a dreamy
reflection of her. While historical records
in China remain silent about her existence.
Her story lives on in Malay chronicles
and cultural memory. Blurring the lines
between history and myth. She represents
the quiet power of soft influence.
2024
Is a historic water well in Malacca,
believed to have been built for Princess
Hang Li Po and her entourage in the
15th century. Though its origins are debated,
the well stands as a quiet witness to cultural exchange, legend, and the enduring
story of a royal union.
Is a historic water well in Malacca,
believed to have been built for Princess
Hang Li Po and her entourage in the
15th century. Though its origins are debated,
the well stands as a quiet witness to cultural exchange, legend, and the enduring
story of a royal union.
2024
Sultan Mansur Shah was the sixth
ruler of the Malacca Sultanate,
reigning from 1459 to 1477. Under
his leadership, Malacca reached its
golden age, flourishing as a powerful
maritime empire and a vibrant center
of trade, culture and diplomacy in the region.
Sultan Mansur Shah was the sixth
ruler of the Malacca Sultanate,
reigning from 1459 to 1477. Under
his leadership, Malacca reached its
golden age, flourishing as a powerful
maritime empire and a vibrant center
of trade, culture and diplomacy in the region.
2024
If the hand facing up, it means ready
to receive the untold fortune,
acceptance, open to learn new culture
in new environment. If the hand is facing
down, it means letting go the old, letting
the past, in process of turning into new
leaf. Symbolizes quiet rebirth and graceful
adaption, evokes a turning point where
history, identity and feminity gently
unfold into something renewed.
If the hand facing up, it means ready
to receive the untold fortune,
acceptance, open to learn new culture
in new environment. If the hand is facing
down, it means letting go the old, letting
the past, in process of turning into new
leaf. Symbolizes quiet rebirth and graceful
adaption, evokes a turning point where
history, identity and feminity gently
unfold into something renewed.
Morning Grooming Ready
for Court Duty
for Court Duty
百花争艳
Garden of The Palace
Garden of The Palace
Myth remains a Myth
SOLD
2024
In the hush of the palace garden, flowers bloom
not in freedom, but in ritual. Each one a whisper
of the ‘Gundik’, a royal concubines adorned
in silence. Rooted yet radiant, they unfold
like secrets, ephemeral, fragrant and bound
to the soil of longing. Their beauty, like court
politics, delicate; both a gift and a gilded cage
In the hush of the palace garden, flowers bloom
not in freedom, but in ritual. Each one a whisper
of the ‘Gundik’, a royal concubines adorned
in silence. Rooted yet radiant, they unfold
like secrets, ephemeral, fragrant and bound
to the soil of longing. Their beauty, like court
politics, delicate; both a gift and a gilded cage
2024
In the hush of the palace garden, flowers bloom
not in freedom, but in ritual. Each one a whisper
of the ‘Gundik’, a royal concubines adorned
in silence. Rooted yet radiant, they unfold
like secrets, ephemeral, fragrant and bound
to the soil of longing. Their beauty, like court
politics, delicate; both a gift and a gilded cage
In the hush of the palace garden, flowers bloom
not in freedom, but in ritual. Each one a whisper
of the ‘Gundik’, a royal concubines adorned
in silence. Rooted yet radiant, they unfold
like secrets, ephemeral, fragrant and bound
to the soil of longing. Their beauty, like court
politics, delicate; both a gift and a gilded cage
2024
Debates whether or not is Princess Hang Li Po
is a real historical figure or not. It is doesn’t matter
anymore. it’s myth contributed to the beginning era
of Baba Nyonya (Mixed of Malay and Chinese culture)
in the early 14th century that influenced the golden
era of Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, the Malacca Empire.
Debates whether or not is Princess Hang Li Po
is a real historical figure or not. It is doesn’t matter
anymore. it’s myth contributed to the beginning era
of Baba Nyonya (Mixed of Malay and Chinese culture)
in the early 14th century that influenced the golden
era of Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, the Malacca Empire.
© Carabelle Cheong 2025. Right Reserved