Kelantan sultanate crown: an ageless local craftsman's creation
KOTA BARU: Unlike most states, which once commissioned their royal crowns from England, the Kelantan Sultanate has a unique distinction — its royal crown was crafted by a local Malay artisan believed to have originated from Kampung Kubang Pasu here.
Kota Bharu, Malaysia — Unlike most states that previously commissioned their royal crowns from England, Kelantan Sultanate possesses a distinctive characteristic: its crown was created by a local Malay craftsman, thought to originate from Kampung Kubang Pasu. This over 100-year-old crown is about to be showcased publicly for the first time at the Kelantan Heritage Weapons Festival 2026 at Istana Balai Besar, running from August 16 to September 5.
Kelantan Sultan’s Office Protocol Officer Mohamed Safaruddin Ismail announced that the concept for the crown was conceived by Sultan Ismail ibni Almarhum Muhammad IV, who governed Kelantan from 1920 to 1944, and it was first utilized during his coronation ceremony on April 28, 1921. The crown's placement on Sultan Ismail by Tengku Temenggung Abdul Ghaffar ibni Almarhum Muhammad II marked its introduction into Kelantan Sultanate history.
What sets this crown apart is its local origin; unlike most states that had their royal crowns made in England, Kelantan’s crown was fashioned by a Kelantanese Malay artisan believed to have roots in Kampung Kubang Pasu. Mohamed Safaruddin noted that the crown exemplifies the goldsmithing skills of the local community at the time, capable of producing a royal regalia of such remarkable artistic value.
Made from 16 ten-carat gold nuggets, the crown features intricate carvings of young dala leaf motifs and a crescent and five-pointed star at the top, all set against royal blue velvet.
During Sultan Yahya Petra ibni Almarhum Ibrahim's reign, the crown underwent enhancements, including the addition of 470 diamonds and 52 emeralds and rubies. Sultan Ismail Petra ibni Almarhum Yahya Petra further embellished it with an additional 721 diamonds and 44 emeralds, as well as ermine fur, whose white winter coat historically signified luxury in royal attire.
This is the sole crown of the Kelantan Sultanate, typically displayed on the right side of the throne during the Sultan's Birthday celebrations, thus limiting public visibility. Mohamed Safaruddin explained that the crown was selected as the festival's centerpiece due to public enthusiasm for previous exhibitions of Kelantan royal regalia, such as the Tok Chu keris with Sampir Kuseriwa in 2024 and the royal tribute artifact Bunga Emas last year.
The display stand is crafted from 999 pure gold, weighing almost one kilogram, though its exact monetary value remains undisclosed for security reasons.
Strict security measures, involving public security personnel and a special palace vault for the crown, will be enforced throughout the festival. In addition to the crown, the event will showcase traditional weapons, pitis coins, and other Kelantan heritage treasures. Organizers anticipate 50,000 visitors, up from 42,000 last year, and anticipate direct Jakarta-Kota Bharu flights will attract more foreign tourists, especially Indonesians.
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