Tham Siew Inn Artist Gallery — Attraction in Malacca

Tham Siew Inn is a self-taught painter who’s been moving through the world since the early seventies, carrying the weight of thirty countries in his head and bleeding them out in watercolour. The paintings don’t shout for recognition. They hang back, blurred at the edges, like memories half-remembered.

The gallery has been planted in Malacca’s old town since 2001. The space is part home, part studio, part sanctuary. Step inside and the noise of Jonker Street falls away. What’s left is calm. Rooms filled with light and work that’s simple, honest, alive. The air smells faintly of paper and pigment.

This isn’t just a gallery, it’s a family operation. The son runs the floor, guiding visitors through the story of the work, sometimes pulling prints, sometimes unearthing a one-of-a-kind piece. Limited edition prints are done right: German cotton paper, Japanese pigment ink, water- and UV-resistant, each stamped with the gallery seal and signed by the master himself. Mixed media experiments hang nearby, built by hand, layered, sealed, and made to last. For those who ask, bespoke originals can be commissioned, but with one condition: the artist must be free to do it his way.

Visitors stumble in off the street, sometimes by accident. They leave with postcards, bookmarks, or a hand-carved seal, something small to hold onto. Many leave with more: the memory of having stood in front of something raw, of having met the man himself, who’s humble, soft-spoken, generous with his time.

The gallery has become a local secret and a traveller’s gem. Old-world charm mixed with personal warmth. A house that feels lived in, a garden tucked away, walls heavy with watercolours that manage to feel both fragile...

During the June FMCO, I ordered a personalised seal with my Chinese name on it online, and the customer service was superb! They answered my queries with upmost detail and gave sound advice regarding the intricaties of the seal's design, proving over and over again that they are true artists who take great pride in their work and have deep experience under their belt. From start to end, they ensured that I had a great customer experience, and I was beyond delighted with my seal when it arrived.

I hope after this, when I am able to travel interstate again to Malacca, I can spare a visit to the shop. For tourists both from abroad or local, I highly recommend purchasing such beautiful and precious items from them as well as visiting their shop to see their artistry (which I heard from others is very, very mesmerising as well). Thank you, Tham Siew Inn Artist Gallery, for giving me a seal that will journey with me throughout my...

Stumbled across this gem of an art gallery store while strolling. It is a worthwhile to check out the watercolour art paintings and custom Chinese jade seals. The owner and artist, Mr Tham was in the store so it felt quite exciting to see the artist in person. You will see displays of his work and his accomplishments laid out tastefully in the spacious shop. The hand painted postcards were only RM2, a good souvenir to purchase! Other paintings for sale were ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands ringgit which is not too expensive considering that these are all one of a kind pieces.

The Chinese jade seal workshop is also inside the store. You could get one from a few hundred up to a few...