By Sim Chuin Peng 

 

In the Southeast Asian Chinese Collection at the Wan Boo Sow Chinese Library, a captivating corner known as Singapore’s Story in Calligraphy (墨迹新加坡故事) showcases three intricately crafted calligraphy donated by Mr Tan Chong Han. Each piece narrates a poetic tale that captures pivotal moments in Singapore’s history, as envisioned by Associate Professor Lam Lap’s evocative verses.

Mr Tan Chong Han, a distinguished calligrapher who began his craft at the age of 17, holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the National University of Singapore. He achieved international acclaim, including gold and first-class awards from prestigious competitions in China and Singapore in 2019 for Chinese calligraphy. Celebrated for his remarkable ability to write with both hands, his contributions to the art of calligraphy are widely recognised. Reflecting on this donation, Mr Tan expressed, “The honour is mine as I am able to display my work at an organisation as renowned and established as my Alma mater.” 

At the heart of this exhibition is the poetry by Associate Professor Lam Lap from the NUS Department of Chinese Studies. Dr Lam is not only a scholar but also a writer of classical-style verse, serving as the chairperson of the General Society for Chinese Classical Poetry (International). Since 2015, he has been the editor-in-chief of Singapore’s classical poetry periodical, Xinzhou yayuan (新洲雅苑). His expertise and passion for classical poetry breathe life into the historical narratives depicted in the calligraphy, adding depth and insight into Singapore’s cultural tapestry. His recent book, titled Cultural Transplantation: The Writing of Classical Chinese Poetry in Colonial Singapore (1887‒1945), attempts to illustrate classical-style poetry’s uniqueness, compatibility, and adaptability in colonial Singapore, as well as its sustained connections with literary tradition and homeland.

As visitors explore the exhibit, their journey begins with the haunting piece titled The Japanese Occupation (History of Singapore. Part II) 新加坡史之二. 淪陷時期. Rendered in stark white characters against a black backdrop, this artwork conveys the somber reality of a dark period in Singapore’s past. The poem reads: 

二. 沦陷时期

三年八月地天昏，鬼域万家淒断魂。碧海顿翻成血海，泪痕难洗尽伤痕。

可无夭柳风怀改，自有幽兰品性存。岛号昭南不堪记，毋将痛史等闲温。 

Translated¹, the poem speaks of: 

No. 2 Japanese Occupation

For three years and eight months, murky were heaven and earth. In the realm of ghosts, thousands of families suffered and shattered.  As the jade-blue sea suddenly turned into a sea of blood, teardrops could hardly cleanse the wounds and scars.

While tender willows may have changed their mind, still faithful were the secluded orchids. How can one bear recalling the name of Syonan? Painful history is not to be casually read. 

This piece captures the profound suffering during the Japanese Occupation, where the “sea of blood” and “realm of ghosts” reflect the widespread horror. Yet, the “secluded orchids” stand as a powerful symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of the people. The reluctance to recall “Syonan” underscores the deep scars left by this chapter. The use of stark contrasts in the calligraphy mirrors the emotional and historical weight of the era, conveying the intensity of the time.  

Next, visitors encounter Independence (History of Singapore. Part V) 新加坡史之五. 獨立. This piece, in black characters on a white background, reflects the emotional weight of Singapore’s journey to sovereignty. The original verse is: 

五. 独立

一水横分两岸潮，何堪暮暮与朝朝。同衿未免生嫌隙，争席端难话协调。

缕缕瓜藤根暗断，重重恩怨舌空摇。谁虞计渡陈仓后，感慨当场涕泪飘。 

The translation reveals: 

No. 5 Independence

A stripe of water divided the two banks, with tidal waves torn asunder. Unbearable, the change happened days and nights.  We shared the same quilt, yet suspicion and grudge arose. Competing for the seats, agreement was hard to reach.

One after another, vines and roots were severed in the dark. Time and again, they talked about love and hate to no avail. When the plan had been secretly done, who knew that, sorrowful eyes were brimming with tears at once. 

This poem captures the complex emotions of Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, illustrated by the “stripe of water.” The shared history brought suspicion and division, while the severance of ties evoked relief and sorrow, poignantly highlighted by tears during the independence announcement. The calligraphy, with its deliberate strokes and flowing form, serves as a testament to the turbulent yet triumphant journey toward building a sovereign nation. The visual presentation enhances the emotional gravity of the moment, inviting viewers to contemplate the past struggles and achievements that shaped Singapore’s identity.  

The journey concludes with Ethnic Cohesion (History of Singapore. Part VII) 新加坡史之七. 種族融合, presented in red paper with gold characters. The original text celebrates unity: 

七. 种族融合

莲菊桃兰杂一瓶，叶花相叠气交并。色分红白无偏爱，神合月星聊共荣。

莲菊或将移种类，桃兰尽可变根茎。千春过后俱同化，坐看新枝栽满城。 

The translation highlights Singapore’s multicultural aspiration: 

No. 7 Racial Integration

All kinds of flowers are in the same vase. Petals and leaves lean on each other, their aroma mixed. In red or white, no preference of color is made. Their spirits, blended with the moon and stars, flourish together.

Lotus and chrysanthemum, into different species could be grown. While peach and orchid may transform their roots and stems. Would they become one many a spring after. And new offshoots be found everywhere in the city. 

This poem depicts a harmonious multicultural society, represented by a vase filled with diverse flowers. The vibrant red paper and white characters reflect the colours of the national flag, symbolising national pride and unity. The calligraphy’s elegance and symmetry capture the essence of racial integration, celebrating the strength found in diversity. As visitors stand before this piece, they are reminded of Singapore’s ongoing journey towards fostering harmony and mutual respect among its people.  

Together, the calligraphic masterpieces by Mr Tan Chong Han and the evocative verses of Associate Professor Lam Lap enrich the cultural heritage of the Wan Boo Sow Chinese Library. The collaborative pieces invite visitors to reflect on Singapore’s historical journey and its future aspirations through the lens of art and poetry. Mr Tan’s celebrated calligraphy brings to life the poignant narratives crafted by Dr Lam, whose expertise in classical poetry provides depth and insight into Singapore’s cultural tapestry. Their combined efforts offer a unique blend of artistic and scholarly excellence, making this exhibition a profound celebration of Singapore’s rich history and diverse cultural identity. 

¹ The original verses have been translated by A/Prof Lam Lap into English to facilitate wider accessibility and appreciation of Singapore’s rich history and diverse cultural identity.