Malaysian art

A sape player performing at the Central Market, Kuala Lumpur.

Traditional Malaysian music is basically percussive. Various kinds of gongs provide the beat for many dances. There are also drums of various sizes, ranging from the large Kelantanese rebana ubi (bass drum) used to punctuate important events to the small jingled-rebana (frame drum) used as an accompaniment to vocal recitations in religious ceremonies.[9]

Nobat music has been a part of the royal regalia of Malay courts since the arrival of Islam in the 12th century and only performed in important court ceremonies. Its orchestra includes the sacred and highly revered instruments of nehara (kettledrums), gendang (double-headed drums), nafiri (trumpet), serunai (oboe), and sometimes a knobbed gong and a pair of cymbals.[10]

Traditional Malaysian music also includes; Johor with its ghazal Melayu; Malacca with its dondang sayang; Negeri Sembilan with its bongai and tumbuk kalang; Kelantan with its dikir barat and rebana ubi; Sabah with their kulintangan, isun-isun and sompoton; Sarawak with their bermukun,[11] engkromong and sape; Perak with its belotah[12]and rebana Perak; Penang with its unique boria[13] and ghazal Parti; Selangor with its cempuling[14] and keroncong; Terengganu with its middle-eastern inspired rodat and kertuk ulu.

Malaysian dance is also tremendously diverse, as each ethnic group has its own dances. Among the ethnic Malay majority, there are several traditional dances performed widely at cultural festivals and other special occasions, such as joget and zapin. In the royal courts, there is also a series of complex court dances developed throughout the centuries which require great skill. Some of the more widely known are joget gamelan, inai, and asyik dances.

Other well-known Malaysian dances are; mak inang from Malacca; ulek mayang from Terengganu; canggung and layang mas from Perlis, ngajat from Sarawak; mangunatip, mongigol and sumazau from Sabah. On the other hand, the Chinese communities also brought their traditional lion dance and dragon dance with them, while Indians brought art forms such as bharata natyam and bhangra.

Theatrical arts in Malaysia has its root in rituals and also serves as folks' entertainment. Notable Malaysian performing arts include ritual dances, dance drama that retelling the ancient epics, legends, and stories; also wayang kulit, a traditional shadow puppet show.

A Kelantanese style wayang kulit (shadow play) that narrated the heroic tale of Hikayat Seri Rama.

Shadow Puppetry: Indian and Javanese influences are strong in the traditional Malaysian shadow play known as wayang kulit. The stories from Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as stories from the Javanese Panji tales formed the main repertoire of the play.

There are four distinctive types of shadow puppet theatre that can be found in Malaysia; wayang gedek, wayang purwa, wayang Melayu and wayang Siam.[15][16][17] Nonetheless, the art and the storytelling of wayang purwa and wayang Siam denote a regional influence infused with the Javanese and Siamese respectively, while wayang Melayu and wayang gedek narrated a more indigenous Malay form and fashion.

Dance-drama: Dance, drama and traditional music in Malaysia are usually merged as a whole complete of performing art form. The traditional Malaysian dance drama art form includes; awang batil in Perlis; mak yong,[18] menora, tok selampit in Kelantan; hamdolok in Johor; randai and tukang kaba in Negeri Sembilan; jikey,[19] mek mulung[20] in Kedah; bangsawan in Malacca and Penang.

A silat Melayu demonstration.

Archaeological evidence reveals that, by the 6th century, formalised combat arts were being practised in Malaysia.[21] The earliest forms of silat are believed to have been developed and used in the armed forces of the ancient Malay kingdoms of Langkasuka (2nd century).[22][23]

The influence of the Malay sultanates of Malacca, Johor, Patani and Brunei has contributed to the spread of this martial art in the Malay archipelago. Through a complex maze of sea channels and river capillaries that facilitated exchange and trade throughout the region, silat wound its way into the dense rainforest and up into the mountains. Apart from silat, tomoi is also practised by the Malays, mainly in the northern region of Malaysia. It is a variant of Indochinese forms of kickboxing which is believed to have been spread in mainland southeast Asia since the time of the Kingdom of Funan (68 AD).

On the other hand, in Sarawak, the Ibans are known for their kuntau, a martial art passed down by their ancestors and practised from generation and generation. Until today, kuntau remains guarded by secrecy, seldom shown to the public, and rarely taught outside the community. Though traditionally passed within the family, it has dwindled in popularity among the young.

The bunga mas displayed in Muzium Negara. It was offered by the northern Malay states to the King of Ayutthaya (Siam) as a symbol of allegiance.

Malaysian metalworks assumed a role more than a mere instrumental tool. It serves as a testament of culture, cultivated by artistic appreciation and religious symbols, moulded by a craftsman who possessed a talent to redefined the essence of nature in the most ornamental manner. Upon the turn of the 17th century, iron, gold, silver, and brass have all been perfectly moulded to become part and parcel to the Malay society.

Goldwork: The art of casting gold were predominantly done by repoussé and granulation techniques, in which the traditional methods can still be witnessed until today. There are also a number of other prominent items in the Malay regalia cast in gold, including ceremonial box, tepak sirih (a betel container) and parts of kris (a peculiar Malay dagger). In the contemporary era, the Malay gold jewels are mainly found in the form of anklets, bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings.[25][26]

Silverwork: The works of silver are fairly known for its sophisticated and fine designs. It is usually crafted in the form of repoussé, filigree and neillowork. Among the common traditional Malay items usually made of silver includes pillow ends, belt buckles, matt corners, stoppers for water vessels, kris sheaths, and tobacco boxes. The awan larat (cloud patterns) and kerawang (vegetal motives) are among the popular designs for Malay decorative silver pillow ends and tobacco boxes.[25]

Brasswork: The usage of brassware transcends a plethora of classical Malay social classes, being used by the members of nobility and commoners alike. The popularity of brassware is heavily contributed due to its durability, quality, and affordability to all. The brassware can be narrowed into two distinctions, yellow brass for functional items and white for decorative purposes. It is often meticulously hammered and craved with various decorative designs in religious and floral motives. The usage of brass, however, is also best known for tepak sirih, and for constructing certain musical instruments such as gongs for the classical Malay gamelan orchestra.

Pewterwork: Pewter is considered as relatively recent, with history only dated to the colonial era. Despite its recent history, Malaysia is very well known for its decorative pewter items and tableware. In fact, Malaysia was once the world’s largest tin producer and currently the largest manufacturer of pewter, so it is common for tourists to buy Malaysian pewter products as souvenirs.

The kris Taming Sari as seen third from the left, among the rest of the Perak royal regalia, 1907.

Blowpipe: A blowpipe is the simplest form of ranged weapon, consisting of a long narrow tube for shooting light projectiles such as darts. It is a traditional weapon for hunters of various indigenous tribes in both, west and east Malaysia, as well as a status symbol for many of them, similar to the kris to the Malays. In the past, craftsmen would take several months to make a blowpipe using traditional methods.

Kris: Kris is one of the most revered items of Malay weaponry. By the time of Malacca in the 15th century, the evolution of the Malay kris was perfected and possession of a kris came to be regarded as part-and-parcel of Malay culture, becoming a philosophical symbol, juxtaposition in prestige, craftsmanship, masculinity, and honour.[27][28][29] During this classical era, a Malay man was not seen without a kris outside of his house. The absence of a kris on a man was frowned upon, perceived as if he were parading naked to the public.

Other weaponry: There are also a plethora of other forms of weaponry in the Malay arsenal, all were nevertheless equally revered in a correlating manner as the kris. The Malays would classified the traditional weapons under seven different structures: Tuju ("Direct", the large and heavy artillery, including the Malay cannons of meriam, ekor lontong, lela and rentaka), Bidik ("A gun", a weapon with metal tube propelled by an ammunition, with the Malay forms of terakor and istingar), Setubuh ("A body", weapon in the similar dimension of a human body, referred to the Malay spears of tongkat panjang and lembing), Selengan ("An arm", a large saber from the length of the shoulders to the tips of the fingers, constituting the Malay saber of pedang and sundang), Setangan ("A hand", a sword with the diameter measured from the elbow to the three fingers, including badik panjang and tekpi), Sepegang ("A hold", smaller than the Setangan, a dagger with kris and badik in the category) and Segenggam ("A grab", the smallest in the category, the hand-sized blade, including lawi ayam, kerambit, kuku macan and kapak binjai).[30] Other items in the traditional Malay weaponry includes sumpit (blowpipe) and busur dan panah (bow and arrow), which are distinct from the seven class of armaments. Additionally, the Malays also would deploy zirah, a type of baju besi (armour) and perisai (shield) as defence mechanisms during the armed conflict.

This art form is mainly attributed to the abundance of timber in the archipelago and also by the skilfulness of the woodcarvers that have allowed the Malays and other indigenous people to practice woodcarving as a craft. The natural tropical settings where flora, fauna, and cosmic forces are abundant have inspired the motives to be depicted in abstract or styled form into the timber board.

A 19th century Iban carving of a hornbill.

Wood carving: Wood carving is a part of classical Malaysian arts. The Malay had traditionally adorned their monuments, boats, weapons, tombs, musical instruments, and utensils by motives of flora, calligraphy, geometry, and cosmic feature. The art is done by partially removing the wood using sharp tools and following specific patterns, composition, and orders. The art form, known as ukir in various Malaysian languages, is hailed as an act of devotion of the craftsmen to the creator and a gift to his fellowmen. With the coming of Islam, geometric and Islamic calligraphy became dominant in Malay wood carving.

A typical Malay traditional house or mosque would have been adorned with more than 20 carved components. The carving on the walls and the panels allow the air breeze to circulate effectively in and out of the building and can let the sunlight to light the interior of the structure. At the same time, the shadow cast by the panels would also create a shadow based on the motives of adding beauty to the floor. Thus, the carved components performed for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

On the other hand, traditional carvings of the Iban of Sarawak remains without outside influence. The ukir such as hornbill effigy carving, the terabai (shield), the engkeramba (ghost statue) are still being crafted. Another related category is engraving or drawing with paints on wooden planks, walls, or house posts by the Iban community. Even traditional coffins may be beautifully decorated using both carving and ukir-painting.

A payang, a traditional Malay boat displayed in Muzium Negara.

Boatbuilding: Terengganu is the centre of boat building in the Malay peninsula. The two Perahu Besar (big boat) of Terengganu, the pinas and the bedar are the result of cultural interchange between seafaring and trading civilisations. These boats are made of chengal wood, a heavy hardwood growing only on the Malay peninsula.[31] Among well-known Malaysian traditional boats are pinas and payang from Terengganu as well as lepa from east coast of Sabah. Today, this tradition is on the brink of extinction, with very few able craftsmen still practising this rare old building technique.

A Mah Meri spider spirit mask.

Wood engraving: According to Orang Asli customs, deities take the form of carved wooden masks and idols. In a world rife with supernatural forces, these carved items also symbolise reverence to ancestral spirits. Various folk tales, myths, and legends of the olden days are transformed and passed down through these items. On special occasions, the dancers would wear masks to honour the spirits. Among hundreds of tribes in Malaysia, the Mah Meri of Selangor is the most well known for their traditional wood carving skills.

Besides the indigenous ethnic groups, wood is also engraved by the Chinese community in Malaysia. Besides deities, traditional signboards, carved from fine wood and gilded, are adorned in many Chinese traditional houses and cultural buildings thought out the country.

Musical instrument: Producing traditional Malaysian instruments such as rebana ubi, gambus and sape take high-quality wood and at least a few days of patience. Although it is mass-produced today, there are a few traditional instrument makers that are determined to hold onto this legacy. These instruments are often carved with local motifs, which also require a high level of craftsmanship.

Two unfinished gasing.

Toy and game: Popular traditional Malaysian games such as gasing and congkak are usually made from wood. A great skill of craftsmanship is required to produce the most competitive gasing (top), some of which spin for two hours at a time.[32] On the other hand, the Malay variant of mancala board game, locally known as congkak is also made from wood. The most common congkak is shaped like an elongated boat, but some unusual shapes like a swan or mystical bird are also crafted in order to create a sense of authenticity to the craft.

Wooden furniture: The southern Malaysian city of Muar is considered the furniture hub of Malaysia with around 800 factories that account for about 55–60% of Malaysia's furniture export. The woods used for these furnitures are typically from tropical hardwood species that are known to be durable and can resist the attacks of the fungi, power-boots beetles, and termites. Some Malaysian wooden furnitures may also include traditional Malay wood carving and other decorative items.

Charcoal making: This art of making charcoal was brought in by the Japanese during occupation of Malaya. This art might not be as popular as before but it is still being produced and used for cooking in a lot of traditional Malaysian cuisines. The art of making charcoal is mainly concentrated in Kuala Sepetang, Larut and Matang, Perak. Although charcoal is considered as a controversial issue these days due to climate change, Matang, however, is recognised as a good model for sustainable mangrove forestry and conservation.

The term ceramic is derived from Greek, and literally refers to all forms of clay. However, the use of modern term extends its use to include inorganic non-metallic materials including earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Until the 1950s, the most important traditionally was clay, which was used as pottery, brick, tile, and the like, along with cement and glass. Historically, ceramic items were hard, porous, and fragile. Nowadays, the art of ceramic includes pottery, crystal, glass, and marble.

A labu Sayong, a classic Malaysian gourd-shaped jar from Kuala Kangsar, Perak.

Pottery: Malaysian pottery and ceramics were an essential part of the trade between Malaysia and its neighbours during feudalistic times, throughout Asia. Under the Malaysian culture, pottery is not solely witnessed as a mere household utensil. It is perceived as a work of art, a paradigm of talent, embroidered with aesthetic, legacy, perseverance, and religious devotion. The Malay earthenwares are usually unglazed, with the ornamental designs were carved when the pottery is semi-dried during its construction process.

According to several studies, the native Malay pottery industry has developed indigenously from the period of great antiquity and has since encapsulated a high-level of cultural sophistication. It also has been noted that the design features of the Malay pottery suggested the absence of foreign influence prior to the 19th century, a paradox considering the vast cultural contact between the Malays and the outside world.

There are four main areas of earthenware production in Malaysia; mambong in Kampung Mambong, Kuala Krai, Kelantan, labu Sayong in Sayong, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, terenang in Kampung Pasir Durian, Hulu Tembeling, Pahang and several places in Sarawak. Sarawak pottery has a very distinct and exotic look.

An enamel porcelain tea tray with a traditional Peranakan fenghuang.

Porcelain: The Peranakans of Penang and Malacca are well-known for their artistic porcelain ware, also known as "Nyonyaware". Different sets were used for different occasions. These porcelain wares were originally commissioned and manufactured in China and exported for the wealthy Peranakan families in the British Straits Settlements. It is generally pastel base coloured than any other porcelain made in China such as bright yellow, green, pink, etc.

These porcelains are decorated in colourful overglaze Famille rose enamels, with motifs symbolising marital harmony and longevity. Due to its symbolic meaning in Peranakan culture, the phoenix and peony have a more prominent position in "Nyonyaware" more than that of other Chinese porcelain wares made for use in China itself.

There are four main designs for Malaysian porcelains; white with a pattern around the edges for everyday use, "Nyonya ware" for weddings or special occasions, "blue-and-white" for funeral occasions or serving the ancestors, and the street food dinnerware used in kopitiam and Chinese restaurants throughout the country.

Malaysia is fortunate to have natural resources that can contribute to the income and economy of the local communities. Forest products such as wood, bamboo, rattan, mengkuang, pandan, bemban, coconut shell and serdang leaves are used to create a variety of weaved and craft products. These skills and knowledge involving craftsmanship such as selecting materials and methods reflect the identities and socio-cultural development of these local communities.

Making of the traditional wau Jala Budi. The bamboo frame is covered with plain paper and then decorated with multiple layers of shaped paper and foil.

Basketry: Malaysia’s main traditional craft is definitely the creation of various wicker handicrafts from the abundance of bamboo, rattan, and mengkuang in its forest. These wicker products were mainly weaved by women as a pastime hobby while the men were doing manual labour jobs like fishing, farming, or smithing. Examples include tudung saji (dish cover), tikar mengkuang (pandanus straw mat), ketapu (Iban woven hat) to rattan ball for sepak takraw, which continues to be popular not only as functional tools but also as ornaments to adorn houses with.

Kite is the most popular traditional Malaysian craft. Although both wau and layang-layang translated as kites in English, wau is specifically referring to the intricately designed Malaysian kite from the east coast of Malaysia. Wau-flying competitions take place across the country with judges awarding points for craftsmanship (wau kites are beautiful, colourful floral motif craft set on bamboo frames), sound (wau kites are designed to create a specific sound as they are buffeted about in the wind), and altitude (how high a wau kite can be flown).

A Peranakan tas manik (ceremonial purse) with velvet weave and Peranakan glass cut beads.

Beadwork: Borneo has long been associated with products made of beads. Rungus of northern Sabah is known for their distinct and elaborate beaded accessories, ranging from necklaces, earrings, belts, and bangles. Colourful and beautiful, the beads are used in many traditional costumes, rituals, dances, and highly popular as souvenir items. Other than Rungus, beads also play an important role among the Orang Ulu tribes of Sarawak. The beads are made from various types of materials, namely wood, snail skin, stone, glass, bones, animal teeth and ceramics. Among the Orang Ulu tribes, the manufacturing techniques, colours and shapes differ with different amounts according to their respective beliefs and interpretations.

In the peninsula on the other hand, Nyonya women painstakingly stitch fine beads onto costumes, purses, handkerchiefs, and slippers creating high valued Nyonya beadwork. Historically, Nyonya women used a specific type of bead known as Peranakan cut beads, which are faceted glass beads imported from Europe. These beads were used to make the kasut manik (Peranakan beaded slippers) and other Peranakan artefacts such as wedding veils, handbags, belts, tapestries, and pouches. For the kasut manik, both smooth and faceted beads were used to form the pattern. Nowadays, the bead size commonly in use for Peranakan beadworks is bigger.

Illumination of the Penang's Kek Lok Si with lanterns and modern lights during the 30 nights following Chinese New Year.

Paper: For centuries, Chinese lantern has been a part of Malaysian art scenes. Made with transparent paper and bamboo frame, the vibrant lanterns would be lit up during Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival in the yard of many houses, shops, business centres, shopping malls and even offices. These lanterns are not just for decorations during festive seasons. It is also used on certain occasions to welcome guests, to announce births, deaths, or even as danger warnings. Nowadays, uniquely colourful Malaysia-themed lanterns such as wau, aladdin lamps, goldfish and durian are also available.

Another common practice among Malaysians that use crafted papers is the burning of paper models of material items for the deceased. Malaysian Chinese still very strongly following this tradition, especially among the Taoists. These items also include a variety of high quality crafted paper model of houses, cars, treasure chests, clothes, or even daily utensils. It is also believed that the burning of these paper models served as an effective educational tool for the livings about the sense of total relinquishment at death.

Unopened bunch of boiled ketupat.

Leaf: Woven with leaves, the art of leaf origami is a heritage of various ethnic groups in Malaysia. Woven leaves are transformed into attap roofing, cigarette, decorations and food wrappers. The only difference between the leaf origami and the modern Japanese origami is the use of various shapes of local leaves instead of the customary four-sided paper. The leaf origami designs are more complex and time-consuming.

Ketupat is a prime example of a traditional Malay woven food wrapper. It made from rice that has been wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch and boiled. Despite the common triangular or diamond shapes, it can come in a wide variety of intricately woven designs ranging from star-like to animal-shaped. Nevertheless, ketupat is regarded as the symbol of celebration by various indigenous ethnic groups in the country, from Perlis to Sabah.

Flower: Symbolising spirituality, prosperity, and honour, flower garlands are an important part of worship and are believed to ward off bad spirits. Other than for offerings, gifts, or souvenirs, flower garlands, also locally known as bunga malai is draped around a person's neck to show respect or worn as hair ornaments in weddings among Malay, Thai and Indian communities in the country. These flower garlands are commonly being sold on the streets near temples especially by the Indian and Siamese communities.

Leather: Leatherworks are crafts made from animal raw hides and skins. The leathers are soaked in alkali solution, stretched and dried to prevent petrification as well as to soften them in order to make it more flexible. The material is commonly used for prop construction in traditional performing arts such as shadow puppet figures for wayang kulit as well as for traditional tribal costumes. Nowadays, leather is also used in making bags, wallets, clothes, shoes, etc.

There are many other kinds of Malaysian art and crafts that cannot be classified in the aforementioned categories such as painting and calligraphy. These arts may also involve crafts made from various materials including banned materials.

A replica of the Terengganu Inscription Stone at the Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

Calligraphy: Calligraphy is an art that prevails in Malaysia about 700 years ago as evidenced by the stone inscription encountered at Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu. The stone named Terengganu Inscription Stone possesses the first jawi calligraphy carving found in southeast Asia. Some of the common styles in Malaysia are the Islamic, Chinese and Indian calligraphy. This art of calligraphy is applied as building decorations such as interior ornamentations, decoration for mosques or temples, signages, books, currency, old manuscripts etc.

The drawing of Malaysian batik.

Painting: Painting as an art form is considered to be relatively new. It was only developed in the 20th century where it became the preferred artistic expression. Several design elements of traditional Malaysian paintings such as batik and tribal motifs are adapted to modern painting style to reflect the Malaysian identity. The most common paintings usually depict kampung and traditional life as well as the colonial landscape of many heritage sites in the country.

Ivory: In the past, ivory was the material of choice for making the handles of kris by the Malays. Elephant ivory is the most important source, but ivory from hornbills and other animals are used as well. Hornbill ivory is derived from the helmeted hornbill, a species of hornbill endemic to the Malay peninsula and Borneo. Indigenous peoples in the hornbill's range, such as the Kenyah and Kelabit of Sarawak, have long carved the casques as precious ornaments. It is also believed that the hornbill-ivory rings would change colour when near poisonous food.

Perfumery: Bunga rampai is a mixture of several types of selected flowers and pandan leaves that are finely sliced and mixed with perfume. It gives special therapy to the ceremony held and is very well placed in the bridal room as an important part of Malay customs and traditions. Besides bunga rampai, the Malays also use flowers during the ritual bath known as mandi bunga. This practice is usually done either to perfume and refresh the body, enhance the complexion and beautify the skin. In fact, this ritual bath is synonymous with weddings or as an effort to attract the man's attention.

Kolam: Kolam is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour, chalk, chalk powder, or rock powder, often using naturally or synthetically coloured powders. This colourful artwork is usually found during the month of Deepavali, on the floors of shopping malls and public places in the country. It is considered to be the distinctive art form in celebration of this occasion and a symbol of the celebration of the Indian community in Malaysia.