Abdullah Ariff Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Abdullah Ariff Art Value Price Guide

Nov. 26, 2023
ABDULLAH ARIFF : Hilly Road, 1956
Est: RM38,000 - RM55,000
Abdullah Ariff was an art teacher at the Anglo-Chinese School in Penang. He, along with fellow artist Yong Mun Sen were the forerunners of watercolour painting in Malaysia. They were also the only two local members of the Penang Impressionists club, an art group whose members were made up of European colonials. In 1947, he worked for the Straits Echo newspapers in Kuala Lumpur as a cartoonist. He held his first few solo exhibitions at the Mint Museum, the Ownbey Hall and the Malayan Embassy in the United States. A road in Air Itam, Penang, is named after him, making him the only artist to ever receive such an accolade. His personal philosophy was, “Art has no obstacles”.
KLAS Art Auction
Jun. 25, 2023
Abdullah Ariff (b. 1904 - 1962) Paddy Field, 1930s
Est: RM28,000 - RM48,000
A curved slanted trunk of a tall coconut tree against a dull sky cuts nearly halfway into the picture, 'pushing' the staple image to the lower right where can be espied a farmer working on the sawah padi, with a fully clothed figure (who could he be?) in the shade of the raised attap-roofed hutment on the right, with a banana tree beside and another coconut tree, upright, in the distance. On the far end stands a scarecrow in ragcloth, with a hat to boot, which helps keep pesky birds from feasting on the ripening grain. Abdullah Ariff kept alive the nostalgia of the life of rustic Malaysia â in the kampung (villages) and fishermen at seashore. Abdullah Ariff, a pioneer artist-turned-cartoonist-turned-advertising maven and later a politician, had held solo exhibitions in the 1950s in Charlotte in the United States (Ownbey Fellowship Hall and Mint Art Museum) and the Malayan Embassy in Washington. He was also featured in the Le Salon Society of French Artists exhibition in Paris. In 1955, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Art (F.R.S.A.) England. He was also a Penang City Councillor serving in Jelutong in 1955-1957, and had the rare distinction of having two adjacent roads in Air Itam named after him. Self-taught, he was one of only two locals accepted into the Penang Impressionists coterie of expatriate artists. He had also been an art teacher at the Anglo-Chinese School in Penang.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jun. 25, 2023
Abdullah Ariff (b. 1904 - 1962) Fishing, 1950s
Est: RM40,000 - RM70,000
This watercolour on paper features Abdullah Ariff 's hallmark qualities by capturing the idyllic kampung landscape and the essence of simple living in earthy tones of brown, green and a tinge of yellow. His sophisticated techniques of graded wash, wet on dry, and blooming create excellent layering that produces natural shades. Two silhouette figures perched on the riverbank. Abdullah Ariff made the impression that one of them is holding a fishing rod with its long line submerged in the water. During his lifetime, Abdullah Ariff dedicated his time as an artist, a politician, an art teacher (Anglo-Chinese School, Penang) and a cartoonist (Straits Echo newspaper, Kuala Lumpur, 1945 to 1947). He was the only artist with a road named after him in Air Itam, Penang 1955. He was the only one of two locals accepted into the expatriate group Penang Impressionists in the 1930s because of his artistic ability and Yong Mun Sen, both acknowledged as pioneers of watercolour painting in Malaysia. Abdullah made headway with solo exhibitions in the United States - Mint Museum and Ownbey Hall in Charlotte in 1954 and the Malayan Embassy in Washington in 1955. In the same year, he participated in the United Society of Artists group exhibition at the galleries of the Royal Society of British Artists, London. He was elected to join the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Art (F.R.S.A.) England.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jul. 17, 2022
Abdullah Ariff (b. Penang, 1904 - 1962) Boats Beneath A Tree, 1960
Est: RM60,000 - RM100,000
It was the Age of Innocence with Malaya just gaining Independence, on the back of an agrarian economy. Malaya was predominantly rural with vast open uninhabited land, where the people at large were left to eke a living in farms, estates and fishing in the rivers and sea. This rural scene of a boat bay under the canopy of a tree with overhanging branches is replete with the romance of yesteryears, when life was simple though harsh, and the happiness quotient was high. Pioneer artist-cartoonist-politician Abdullah Ariff’s rural landscapes reveal his affinity with land, especially the countryside. Using the top-down perspective, he was able to encompass more elements on the ground, through the interstices of the branches and leaves, with three idle sampan (boats) in view providing a cool respite from the open land on the left where the late-afternoon heat was palpable despite a soft overlapping colour veneer. That year in 1960, Abdullah had two roads in Penang named after him. It was also the Year of the 3 Agongs and the end of the Malayan Emergency. Art teacher, artist, advertising pioneer and politician – Abdullah Ariff was a Penang City Councillor, in the Jelutong district (1955-1957). A remarkable feat for a self-taught artist besides being one of only two locals accepted into the Penang Impressionists coterie, as an instructor. As an artist, he had solos in the United States, at two venues in Charlotte (1954) and the Malayan Embassy in Washington (1955). He was also featured in the Le Salon Society of French Artists exhibition in Paris. In 1955, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Art (FRSA) England. He taught Art at the Anglo-Chinese School (now Methodist Boy School) in Penang for six years before he quit to set up Ariff Advertising (1955). He also contributed cartoons for the Straits Echo (later renamed National Echo) newspaper (1945-1947).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Mar. 27, 2022
Abdullah Ariff (b. Penang, 1904 – 1962) Blustering Wind, 1950s
Est: RM45,000 - RM65,000
It could be a wind that blew no good, and given the pioneer artist Abdullah Ariff’s command of the local landscapes, especially the outer flung kampung, it’s customary to take the trite cliché that Abdullah’s intention was purely artistic, in conjuring a scene of trees and vegetation whipped mercilessly in certain direction by a “blustery wind” with a potential path out being obscured or even obstructed. After all, Abdullah was also a politician, from Umno, of the ruling coalition of the day, and he had also done cartoons that were politically inclined, for the Straits Echo newspaper. Still, it’s nicer to appreciate Abdullah’s work, whether watercolour or oil, just for its pristine technique and composition, than to surmise at some form of poetic empathy linking the weather with some pressing issues, and what? Truth is, Abdullah didn’t as a habit present just a calm scene, the composition often alluding to something untoward or sinister. That is the artistic licence. Abdullah Ariff was a City Councillor in Penang in 1955-1957 (Jelutong district), and had two short roads in Air Itam named after him. As a pioneer artist, his most prominent credential was a U.S. solo at the Mint Museum and the Ownbey Hall in Charlotte in 1954 and the Malayan Embassy in Washington in 1955. In 1955, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Art (FRSA) England. Self-taught, he taught at the Anglo-Chinese School (later Methodist Boys School), Penang, for six years. He set up his advertising company, Ariff Advertising, in 1955, and was somehow included among the Penang Impressionist expatriate artists in the 1930s. From 1945-1947, he also contributed cartoons for the Straits Echo newspaper.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Dec. 05, 2021
Abdullah Ariff (b. Penang, 1904 - d. 1960) Malayan Rural Scene
Est: RM30,000 - RM55,000
It's only in the countryside that you find a gaggle of geese (Anseriformes Anatidae) roaming freely foraging for food. They are rarely seen alone, and that’s probably how their confidence developed, in safety in numbers. Geese don’t bite, just peck and they give out a loud cry when threatened. Their long necks make them look tall and confident. Geese seem brave because their ‘convex-lens’ eyes make them see everything as small, and so easy prey. Abdullah Ariff draws attention to the geese pack tucked inconspicuously in the bottom right of the painting where one is more awed by the overhanging branches on top and the bare land with clumps of vegetation. The geese seem to be heading home, as moisture is building up in the air. Artist-politician-cartoonist-teacher-advertising maven Abdullah Ariff is a leading art pioneer whose works are scarce in the market. In the 1950s, he boasted of solo exhibitions in Charlotte in the United States (Ownbey Fellowship Hall and Mint Art Museum) and the Malayan Embassy in Washington, besides being featured in the Le Salon Society of French Artists exhibition in Paris. In 1955, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Art (FRSA) England. Abdullah Ariff, who served as Penang City Councillor in 1955-1957, has the distinction of having two adjacent roads in Air Itam named after him. Self-taught, he was one of only two locals accepted into the snobby Penang Impressionists coterie of expatriate artists. He had a stint as a cartoonist in the Straits Echo newspaper in the early years (1945-1947) and also an art teacher at the Anglo-Chinese School in Penang.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Nov. 15, 2020
Abdullah Ariff (b. Penang, 1904 - 1962) The Sudden Monsoon Downpour, 1956
Est: RM45,000 - RM90,000
The unusually clear azure blue waters is beguiling as the sky is overcast with greyish overtones, indicating a storm brewing. A shaky tree with a thin stem juts out on the low sandy rocky promontory for a dash of green, balanced by a small shrub on the right. A slightly top-down view reveals two wooden flat-bottomed sampan and a sparing hull, used perhaps for only small fishing trips not too far from the shore or light passenger travel. But it’s not safe to venture into the waters, even keeping to the fringe. In 1956, it was still the manual push-and-pull of the oars to propel the boat forward, not yet outboard boat motors. A heavy downpour is impending. Artist-politician Abdullah’s biggest claim to posterity is to have two short roads in Air Itam in Penang named after him. He was also a Penang city councillor, in the Jelutong district (1955-1957). Self-taught, he was one of two locals accepted into the Penang Impressionists coterie of expatriate artists. As an artist, he had solos in the United States – Mint Museum and Ownbey Hall in Charlotte (1954) and the Malayan Embassy in Washington (1955). He taught Art at the Anglo-Chinese School (now Methodist Boy School) in Penang for six years before he quit to set up Ariff Advertising (1955). He also contributed cartoons for the Straits Echo (later renamed National Echo) newspaper (1945-1947).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Oct. 09, 2020
* Ariff (Abdullah, 1904-1962). Malaysian Farmer and Ox, circa 1930s
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
* Ariff (Abdullah, 1904-1962). Malaysian farmer and ox in a rice field, circa 1930s, watercolour and pencil on pale cream wove paper, heightened with gouache, signed lower right, additionally inscribed with the artist's name and address: 92, Kedah Road, Penang, S.S., sheet size 410 x 310 mm (16.1 x 12.2 ins), with card mount (mount aperture 285 x 210 mm (11.2 x 8.2 ins) Qty: (1)
Dominic Winter Auctions
Sep. 06, 2020
ABDULLAH ARIFF : Tree by a River, 1955
Est: RM28,000 - RM60,000
Meticulously illustrated, this painting is Abdullah Ariff’s narration of a large canopy of a tree perched at the river bank. Painted in an almost dream-like scene, the entire mood quiet and tranquil. The artist’s virtuosity in wet-on-wet and dry-on-dry watercolour skills are shown through the way he portrays movement in the waters and the tree. His works are more ‘European’ in terms of looks and approach, and they are more heavy in its details. Abdullah Ariff was an art teacher at the Anglo-Chinese School in Penang. He, along with fellow artist Yong Mun Sen were the forerunners of watercolour painting in Malaysia. They were also the only two local members of the Penang Impressionists club, an art group whose members were made up of European colonials. In 1947, he worked for the Straits Echo newspapers in Kuala Lumpur as a cartoonist. He held his first few solo exhibitions at the Mint Museum, the Ownbey Hall and the Malayan Embassy in the United States. A road in Air Itam, Penang, is named after him, making him the only artist to ever receive such an accolade. His personal philosophy was, “Art has no obstacles”.
KLAS Art Auction
Jun. 19, 2020
ABDULLAH ARIFF (1904-1960),
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (1904-1960) TREE BY A RIVER Watercolor on paper, signed and dated lower right, artist's blindstamp upper left, verso with red-stamped AA, various notations; unframed. H: 15, W: 22 in. PROVENANCE: Acquired by the present owner in Charleston, South Carolina
Freeman's | Hindman
Jun. 19, 2020
ABDULLAH ARIFF (1904-1960), 1956
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (1904-1960) 1956 THE SUDDEN MONSOON DOWNPOUR Watercolor on paper, signed and dated lower left, artist's blindstamp upper left, titled artist's lable and stamped in red "B" verso, unframed. H: 15 1/4, W: 22 1/4 in. PROVENANCE: Acquired by the present owner in Charleston, South Carolina
Freeman's | Hindman
Mar. 15, 2020
Abdullah Ariff (b. Penang, 1904 - d. 1962) After The Monsoon Cloudburst, 1955
Est: RM55,000 - RM85,000
Works by Abdullah Ariff are hard to come by, and this, After The Monsoon Cloudburst (1955), shows up the self-taught artist for an unusually immaculate composition with the deft play of light filtering through the sparse overhanging twine-drop branches and pocket shimmers from the waterfall and running stream amongst boulders, besides the judicious depth in an ambient alcove. The locale bears discernible similar elements from a bigger work done in 1958, in the collection of the Sultan of Selangor, with an equal degree of atmospheric accomplishments. Abdullah Ariff is one of the most accomplished pioneer artists working mainly in watercolours. Although self-taught, he had served as an art teacher at the Anglo Chinese School (1932-1941), was an illustrator and pioneer political cartoonist, and had set up his own advertising agency, Ariff Advertising. His cartoons, first pro-Japanese under the Japanese Occupation, had been featured in publications such as the Penang Daily News, Dewasa, Suara Malaysia, and later the Straits Echo. He had the distinction of having had two one-man shows in Charlotte in North Carolina, at the Myers Park Methodist Church and the Mint Museum, both in 1954, and another at the Malayan Embassy in Washington in 1955. If he was prodigious, which is unlikely, precious few of his works in watercolours survived, much less his oils which can be counted with the fingers on one hand. This could have to do with his more onerous duties as an appointed municipal councillor representing Jelutong, Penang, from 1955 to 1957. He had the distinction as the only artist to have had two roads named after him in Ayer Itam, namely Jalan Abdullah Ariff and Lintang Abdullah Ariff, although the honours were linked to his being in Government. Abdullah was also one of two locals invited to the closed expatriate art group, Penang Impressionists, because his services were needed to tutor in art, while the other was accepted for her philanthropy.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jun. 26, 2016
ABDULLAH ARIFF (B. Penang, 1904-1962) Portrait of a Man, 1942
Est: RM6,000 - RM12,000
Signed and dated “Abdullah Ariff 12.2.42” on lower right
KLAS Art Auction
Jun. 26, 2016
ABDULLAH ARIFF (B. Penang, 1904-1962) Portrait of a Woman, 1942
Est: RM6,000 - RM12,000
Signed and dated “Abdullah Ariff 42” on lower right
KLAS Art Auction
Oct. 04, 2015
ABDULLAH ARIFF (b. 1904 - d. 1962) Misty Morning, 1960, Watercolour on paper
Est: RM35,000 - RM45,000
Pioneer artist Abdullah Ariff depicts a charming rustic landscape whose palette is golden and green to accentuate nature’s wealth – bright sun rays and green pastures in a rural setting. This appearance marks the rarity of his works in the market as his last presence at Henry Butcher Art auction was in April 2013. Abdullah Ariff was born in a Peranakan Jawi family of ten whose parents were of Turkish descent. At age nine, in 1913 he persevered to enter the Anglo-Chinese School despite his mature age for primary school. The Principal, Reverend G.F. Pykett was reluctant to accept his application at first but later acknowledged his diligence at school when he passed his Senior Cambridge in 1925. He was then hired as an art teacher at his alma mater and taught there for the next six years. By then, he was already exhibiting his works and was invited to become a member of the Penang Impressionist Society (1932 – 1941), an all-Caucasian art club registered in 1898. Abdullah Ariff contributed his drawings and linocut illustrations to local publications such as ‘Dewasa’, ‘The Penang Anglo-Chinese School Magazine’, ‘Suara Malaysia’ and more in the 1930s. He was appointed the artist for the air-raid-precaution before the Japanese invasion – a group of civil defence volunteers preparing to deal with emergency situations brought about by war - which entailed him to produce sketches found in the Straits Echo newspaper. During the Japanese occupation, he was sold to the idea of “Greater Asia” promoted by the Japanese. He was elected Chairman of the Muslim Advisory Board that represented Penang and Province Wellesley with the approval of the Japanese Governor of Penang, Lieutenant-General Shotaro-Katayama. He published his pro-Japanese and anti-West satirical cartoons in Penang Daily News. When the British returned to Malaya at the end of the Second World War, Abdullah Ariff was arrested and incarcerated for five days on charges that he was a collaborator but was released because there was no provision in the law to prosecute him for submitting sketches to the newspaper. Abdullah Ariff was also the Chairman of the Penang Teachers Union and he participated in an exhibition in the United States of America upon the request of his school Principal Dr. H.H. Peterson from North Carolina. Eighty watercolour paintings was sent to the Myers Park Methodist Church in Charlotte and was displayed at the Ownbey Fellowship Hall, curated by Paul Allen. The show was attended by over 500 people and due to its success, another show was organised at the Mint Museum of Art. Eleven paintings was sold amounting to 2000 dollars Malayan which he donated to the Anglo Chinese School. He was the first Malayan to be selected into the Fellowship in the Royal Society of Arts (F.R.S.A) in England in 1955. As a politically astute man, he was elected Executive member of UMNO in 1950 and ran for the Municipal Council to represent Jelutong Ward in 1946. He adopted the moniker ‘Shap’ for his illustration contributions to the Straits Echo. Abdullah Ariff continued to become a prominent figure in art education and politics until his demise in 1960, mourned by thousands of Penangites at his funeral. Two streets were named after him Jalan Abdullah Ariff and Lintang Abdullah Ariff in Penang.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
May. 31, 2015
ABDULLAH ARIFF (1904-1962) The Blue House; & Marshland Sunset
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (1904-1962) The Blue House; & Marshland Sunset two watercolour on paper 34 x 25.5 cm. (13 3/8 x 10 in.); & 18 x 23 cm. (7 1/8 x 9 in.)
Christie's
May. 31, 2015
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysian, 1904-1962) The Chinese Hut
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysian, 1904-1962) The Chinese Hut watercolour on paper 28 x 39 cm. (11 x 15 3/8 in.)
Christie's
Jun. 26, 2013
Abdullah Ariff (1904-1965). Oxen, cart and figure,
Est: £800 - £1,200
Abdullah Ariff (1904-1965). Oxen, cart and figure, watercolour, signed, 35.5cm x 27.5cm, label verso Abdullah Ariff, Ariff Villa 92, Kedah Road, Penang S.S.
Golding Young & Mawer
Jun. 26, 2013
Abdullah Ariff (1904-1965). Harbour scene with
Est: £800 - £1,200
Abdullah Ariff (1904-1965). Harbour scene with boats and figures, watercolour, signed, 36.5cm x 27cm, label verso Abdullah Ariff, Ariff Villa 92 Kedah Road, Penang S.S
Golding Young & Mawer
Nov. 25, 2012
ABDULLAH ARIFF
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysian, 1904-1962) The Hill Spring, 12th Milestone, Penang signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariff, 44' (lower left) watercolour on paper 36.5 x 58.5 cm. (14 3?8 x 23 in.) Painted in 1944
Christie's
May. 27, 2012
ABDULLAH ARIFF
Est: $14,000 - $20,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysian, 1904-1962) Jungle Scene signed, dated and inscribed 'Abdullah Ariff 56 , F.R.S.A' (lower left) watercolour on paper 38.5 x 56 cm. (15 1/4 x 22 in.) Painted in 1956
Christie's
Nov. 29, 2010
Abdullah Ariff (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Abdullah Ariff (Malaysia 1904-1962) Farmer's Home signed 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower left); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolour on paper 11 x 15 in. (28 x 38.5 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 29, 2010
Abdullah Ariff (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $20,000 - $28,000
Abdullah Ariff (Malaysia 1904-1962) Limestone Hills signed 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower right); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolour on paper 19¾ x 27½ in. (50 x 70 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 29, 2010
Abdullah Ariff (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Abdullah Ariff (Malaysia 1904-1962) Shrouded Elegance signed 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower left); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolour on paper 11 x 15 in. (28 x 39 cm.)
Christie's
May. 30, 2010
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $16,000 - $24,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962) Homeward ducks signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower left); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolour on paper 17¾ x 23½ in. (45 x 60.5 cm.)
Christie's
May. 30, 2010
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $16,000 - $24,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962) Festival of the lanterns signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower right); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolor on paper 15¼ x 22¾ in. (39 x 55.5 cm.)
Christie's
May. 30, 2010
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $16,000 - $24,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962) The river ferry signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower right); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolour on paper 14½ x 22½ in. (37 x 54 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 30, 2009
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $16,000 - $24,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962) Water regalia signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower left); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolor on paper 15¼ x 22¾ in. (39 x 55.5 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 30, 2009
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $16,000 - $24,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962) Windy day signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower right); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolor on paper 15 x 22½ in. (38.5 x 57 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 30, 2009
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962) Malayan rural scene signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariff. F.R.S.A' (lower left); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolour on paper 11½ x 15 in. (29 x 39 cm.)
Christie's
May. 26, 2008
Lone fisherman cottages
Est: $12,000 - $16,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962) Lone fisherman cottages signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariif '55' (lower left); titled on artist's label (on the reverse) watercolour on paper 15 x 22 in. (38 x 56 cm.)
Christie's
May. 26, 2008
Through jungle waterways, Malaya
Est: $12,000 - $16,000
ABDULLAH ARIFF (Malaysia 1904-1962) Through jungle waterways, Malaya signed and dated 'Abdullah Ariff '56' (lower left); titled on artist's label and stamped with artist's name and address (on the reverse) watercolour on paper 15 1/4 x 22 in. (39 x 56 cm.)
Christie's
Sep. 30, 2001
ABDULLAH ARIFF (b. Malaysia 1904-1962)
Est: $4,400 - $5,500
Pohan yang bahagia (Happy Pohan) signed, dated and inscribed 'abdullah, ariff, F.R.S.A., 55' (lower left) watercolour on paper 15 x 22 in. (39 x 56 cm.).
Christie's