M.G. Tun HLA (1874-1946) - Temple Burma,

Watercolour, 20 x 15 cm.

M.T. Hla

• 1874: Born in Gyaung Wyne, Burma; received a monastic education and learned traditional Burmese drawing and one-line techniques
• Early 1900s: Transitioned from traditional Burmese to Western-style painting after meeting British artist Sir Gerald Kelly, from whom he received informal training
• 1910s–1920s: Became a leading figure in Western-style watercolor painting in Burma. His works decorated Rangoon’s best hotels and were sold at popular bookstores, gaining recognition among both Burmese and British audiences. His paintings were also reproduced in British art publications
• 1930s: Studied gouache and oil techniques from Ba Nyan, further diversifying his style

• Portrait Innovation: Pioneered the depiction of Burma’s ethnic minorities in art, moving beyond the traditional focus on religious and royal subjects. His realistic portraits are considered a valuable anthropological record of Burmese society

• Museum Collections & Recognition:
  • His group portrait Ladies from the Hilly Region is held at the National Museum of Myanmar
  • Works are also in the Denison University Museum.
  • M.T. Hla’s paintings have been exhibited and sold internationally, especially in England, and are recognized as masterpieces of Burmese art
• Legacy: Remembered as a pioneer of Burmese watercolor, oil, and glass painting. He influenced later generations and helped bridge traditional Burmese art with Western techniques

• M.T. Hla’s art is celebrated for its unique blend of Burmese tradition and Western realism, making each painting a rare piece of cultural history.