SULTANAH NUR ZAHIRAH GRACES OPENING OF THE ART OF GOLD LEAF EXHIBITION

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The Sultanah of Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah today graced the opening ceremony of Telepuk: The Art of Gold Leaf Exhibition at the National Textile Museum here.

Telepuk refers to textile gilding where cloth is imprinted with floral motifs in gold leaf.

Opened to the public from Oct 28 until Dec 31, the exhibition at Galeri Saindera features 49 telepuk collections, 130 sarang telepuk or stamps, and four publications on the art comprising manuscripts and books.

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The exhibition also displays telepuk masterpieces belonging to the royal family such as baju sikap (outerwear), kain setangan (headgear), and sarong.

Also present at the opening ceremony were the National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy, the Ministry of National Unity secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, and the Department of Museums Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aaron said the exhibition was held to elevate and highlight the art of telepuk, which is part of the ministry’s efforts to revitalise this traditional Malay textile decoration art form.

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“This aligns with the National Unity Ministry’s policy through the ‘Ini Warisan Kita’ initiative that seeks to increase the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the nation’s heritage among the diverse communities,” he said.

Elaborating, Aaron said the telepuk art is an extraordinary skill of Malaysian artisans, adding that it is created by imprinting textiles with sarang telepuk, which is then carved and pressed with gold leaf using gum arabic.

He said the process involves four key craftsmanship: weaving, menggerus (smoothing and polishing the textile for a glossy finish), carving sarang telepuk, and gilding.

“The use of telepuk fabric in Malaya was documented in various classic Malay literary works, particularly those relating to royal customs and dress codes, in addition to accounts from several Western authors.

“I hope this exhibition can further ignite patriotic spirit, loyalty, and a sense of love for the country among the younger generation while ensuring that our cultural heritage is preserved and protected,” he added.

-- BERNAMA