Batik block-making
The role of the block maker is one of the most essential yet overlooked roles within the batik process. If not using the canting technique, batik artisans would commission skilled blockmakers to design and produce the batik block, which would allow the artisans to print intricate batik designs. The high technical skill required to cut and shape metal into intricate designs makes batik block-making a craft in itself. Batik blocks are sometimes also known as the sarang, Malay for “nest”, because of the block’s resemblance to a bird’s nest, with all its complex criss-crossing patterns.
Batik-printing
The earliest form of batik-printing to be practised in peninsular Malaysia is batik block-printing (known in Malay as batik cap, or batik terap), i.e. stamping motifs repeatedly using a batik block handcrafted out of wood or metal. This is still the primary technique utilised by the dwindling number of batik artisans in Terengganu and Kelantan, where the practice of batik remains the strongest.
Another common technique of wax application is by hand-drawing the motif using a stylus tool called a canting.
Both techniques require precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the materials involved — skills that are often gained through decades of experience.
Mengkuang-weaving
Weaving with leaves and reeds is one of the oldest of human crafts still practised to this day. Among the various natural fibres used for weaving in Malaysia is the mengkuang, or the pandanus plant, also known as the screwpine plant: a spiky plant with stiff leaves that is native to tropical countries and is easily found in jungle and coastal areas of Malaysia. Mengkuang leaves are traditionally used to weave baskets, tikar (a type of floor mat), and other ornamental objects.
Weaving with mengkuang has been practised for centuries in the east coast of the peninsular Malaysia and in Borneo, where its present-day influence continues to be strong. Different communities and ethnic tribes of weavers have developed their own unique weaving motifs (kelarai), with different kelarai having its own unique associations.
Brassware-making
Terengganu was once known as the capital of the Malaysian brassware industry, with Kampung Ladang and Kampung Tanjung in Kuala Terengganu once being the hubs for a large community of highly-skilled brass artisans. As of 2024, there are only around two or three workshops still active, of which artisans are largely occupied in the making of household items that are bought as cenderahati
(souvenirs or ceremonial gifts).
Our artisan partner, Shaiful, runs one of the last few active workshops in Terengganu.