Misiem Yipintsoi

Misiem Yipintsoi (1906–1988) was a prominent Thai painter and sculptor. Despite a late start to her career (she did not start painting until age 42), she became one of Thailand's leading artists.

Early life Born in Siam in 1906, Misiem Yipintsoi was the daughter of ethnic Chinese-Indonesian parents. She was educated at the Assumption Convent School in Bangkok. She married shortly after completing her education, and raised five children.

Artistic awakening Yipintsoi had no formal training in art, but her interest in painting was piqued during a long stay in Denmark (where she spent 14 months while one of her children was being treated for polio). While in Denmark, she viewed many paintings, both in museums and the homes of friends, and purchased many paintings to decorate her home in Thailand. After returning to Thailand, she began studying painting at the age of 42 with Monet Satomi, a Japanese cultural attache to Thailand. Yipintsoi later studied sculpture under the acclaimed Italian-Thai artist Silpa Bhirasri. After her death, Silpakorn University established a sculpture garden with many of her pieces.

Honors and legacy Yipintsoi was awarded the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culture, Silpakorn University awarded her an honorary Doctor of Arts degree in 1985.