Shi Xiang Tuo is also known by his other given name of ‘Shi Hong Ze”. Hailed from Zhang Zhou, Fu Jian and born into a scholarly driven family where his forefathers were adept at calligraphy and painting, Shi came to Singapore in 1938. He was appointed the principal of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore in 1941, a post he held for 39 years. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to mastering the art of the ancient tablet-based calligraphy through endless diligent studies. Shi therefore specialized in ‘Zhuan Shu’ calligraphy, which is a form of ancient calligraphy. His ‘Zhuan Shu’ calligraphy is simply fascinating, not to mention his Zhuan-based, Han Dynasty-inspired seal carving. Shi’s works ooze vintage elements, cheerfulness, high-spiritedness and ingenuity. The multi-talented Shi left a long-lasting legacy of literary art through his marvelous calligraphy, painting and seal carving. His masterpieces are a fusion of his lifelong ideas delivered through his dexterity. What you see is a lifelong literary journey presented by his brushes and carving chisels and cutters. Shi was exceptionally good at producing calligraphy and painting pieces inspired by the raw beauty of ancient seal carving. His works appear to be in a very commanding and confident mood, earning him a place in the hall of fame for the grand masters. Shi himself was an erudite scholar who in his lifetime, blessed the literary fraternity with plenty of great works. He devoted his life to the teaching of art, sowing literary seeds across Singapore and Malaysia.