Lee Kuan Yew’s Personal Montblanc Pen Goes Under the Hammer at Hotlotz this August

Collectors will have another chance to own a piece of Singapore history as a Montblanc fountain pen once owned by Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew returns to the auction market this month from 5 August till 16 August.

The sterling silver Montblanc Meisterstück No. 146 fountain pen headlines Hotlotz’s upcoming Interiors & Collectibles – August, Fine Art Focus sale. Engraved with “SM Lee Kuan Yew” from his years serving as Senior Minister, the pen was previously sold during The Lee Kuan Yew Family Collection charity auction in July 2003. It is now expected to fetch between S$30,000 and S$50,000.

The sale also brings together an impressive line-up of works by some of Singapore’s most celebrated artists. Among them is Chua Mia Tee’s Singapore Chinatown, Temple Street, a 1979 oil painting estimated at S$20,000 to S$30,000. The late artist was widely recognised for documenting Singapore’s social and cultural landscape through his distinctive realist style.

Also going under the hammer is Gibbons by Chen Wen Hsi, estimated at S$18,000 to S$25,000. The mixed media work reflects the artist’s iconic depictions of animals, a subject he became closely associated with throughout his career.

Collectors of ink art can also look forward to two works by Lim Tze Peng. The centenarian artist’s Unabating and Dragon are each expected to achieve between S$5,000 and S$7,000. Following Lim’s passing in 2025, interest in his works has remained strong among collectors.

Another local highlight is a glazed stoneware pot by Cultural Medallion recipient Iskandar Jalil. Featuring his signature organic forms and branch handle, the ceramic piece carries an estimate of S$2,000 to S$3,000.

Beyond Singapore art, the auction includes several notable international and historical pieces. These include Takashi Murakami’s signed and numbered offset lithograph Poporoke Forest, estimated at S$2,500 to S$4,000, as well as Hong Zhu An’s Plum Blossom ink painting.

One of the more unusual lots is an Indonesian silver tea service presented by former Indonesian President Soeharto. Housed in its original fitted red velvet presentation box bearing the Indonesian coat of arms, the complete set is estimated at S$4,000 to S$6,000.

The timed online auction closes on 16 August 2026 from 6pm onwards. Interested buyers can view all lots in person at the Hotlotz Saleroom between 5 and 15 August before placing their bids online.

For more information, visit HOTLOTZ’s website here.

Viewing Information
All lots are available for viewing at the Hotlotz Saleroom during the following times:

• Wednesday 5 – Friday 7 August: 10am to 6pm
• Saturday 8 August: 10am to 4pm
• Tuesday 11 – Friday 14 August: 10am to 6pm
• Saturday 15 August: 10am to 4pm