Teng was known for his batik compositions influenced by the indigenous traditions found in the region. He had also explored new ways of representing the figure through the freeing of proportions, accompanied with intricate outlines around the shapes. A pair of mother and child figures are portrayed in harmony, forming a symmetrical arrangement. They are surrounded by an abundance of local fruits, resting along a structure made of bamboo. Using rich, jewel like colours of green, blue, and purple across the surface, this batik painting offers a glimpse into the simple ways of life. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the ‘Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi, which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).