Malaysia · Malay Architectural and Decorative Woodcarving
Ukiran Kayu
Terengganu palace and fine woodcarving is a Malay woodcarving tradition built on the tebuk tembus (pierced/openwork) technique alongside layang, separuh tembus (half-pierced), and kerawang (fretwork) carving styles, worked into flora, fauna, geometric, calligraphic, and cosmic motifs. The tradition's late named master, who inherited the craft from his own father, specialized in the tebuk tembus awan larat (cloud-vine piercing) and sulur kacang (bean-tendril) patterns, valued for a distinctively "animate" and "soft" quality compared to other carvers' work, and applied his craft to major royal and national commissions including the Istana Maziah/Muktabillah in Terengganu, the Terengganu State Museum, and Istana Melawati in Putrajaya. Recognized as national Adiguru Kraf (Master Craftsman) for wood carving in 2007.
Risk level: Vulnerable · Not inscribed
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