Pos Malaysia pays homage to Chinese painting of a ‘serama’

What say you on the issue below?

Stamp of approval: Dr Wong showing the first-day cover issued by Pos Malaysia which features his painting.

KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time ever, Chinese painting will grace the first-day cover issued by Pos Malaysia in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The picture of an ayam serama, a local breed of ornamental cockerel, perching proudly atop a rocky cliff is the masterpiece of Dr Wong Kum Peng.

With its chest puffing out and feathered tail perking up, the bird holds its head high, crowing to usher in the Year of the Rooster.

“It is different from the type of fowl that Chinese artists normally paint. This miniature type, which is unique to Malaysia, struts in a ramrod-straight posture for people to admire,” Dr Wong, 64, said.

The invitation from Pos Malaysia to produce a Chinese painting came six months after Dr Wong’s Chinese calligraphy was featured alongside a khat (Islamic calligraphy) artwork and a Tamil script for philatelic products themed nilai murni (noble values) in June.

Dr Wong, the past president of the Calligraphy Society of Malaysia, insisted that his artwork must appear in its entirety without any alteration.

It is simply because a piece of Chinese painting is the result of the deliberate placement of various elements, including the painting (subject), the calligraphy (title and date) and the seal (name of artist). Even the blank space is part of the composition.

Pos Malaysia agreed, and did not crop anything out of the frame, much to the delight of Dr Wong.

This painting has been designed into a folder, miniature sheets and octagon-shaped stamps. They are set to be released today together with other ayam serama stamps.

The cockerel painted by Dr Wong is light brown, with hints of shiny gold – an auspicious colour associated with success and wealth.

The Chinese calligraphy presented in vertical lines reads: “Golden rooster announces triumphant news. When it crows, the world brightens up.”

It leaves room for people to ponder over the message.

“A rooster’s crow is a wake-up call. With the arrival of a new year, it is time to draw up new resolutions instead of continuing to wallow in despondency and low spirits,” Dr Wong said.

This is not only an honour for the retired veterinarian to produce an artwork for the national postal organisation, but also a recognition of the Chinese culture, which is an essential part of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society.

“Chinese painting is an elegant art form that epitomises the Oriental culture of subdued expressions. It showcases the techniques of the artist and reflects his inner world, values and outlook on life.

“Precise brush strokes and the alluring use of ink are combined to produce a graceful effect,” he said.

Dr Wong was pleased with the open-mindedness and inclusivity of Pos Malaysia in featuring the country’s diverse culture.

“Without communication and exchanges, a common understanding cannot be achieved.

“The different cultures in our country have to prosper together. I hope there will be more of such platforms to celebrate all forms of art,” he added.