Telepuk: the Malay art of leaving gold on cloth

Telepuk is a Malay textile art that involves transforming plain fabric into intricate designs using gold leaf and carved wooden blocks. This centuries-old technique, once closely associated with royal ceremonial dress, requires patience, precision and a combination of four skills: weaving, wood carving, grinding and applying gold leaf.

A recent workshop at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak saw participants try their hand at the delicate process, highlighting the importance of documentation and practical teaching in preserving the heritage craft. Among the historical pieces displayed at the "Telepuk: The Imprint of Heritage" exhibition were mid-19th-century royal attire and a collection of 77 wooden telepuk blocks dating back to 1920-1923.

The exhibition also explored the potential for experimentation with alternative materials, such as tin foil, in telepuk designs. For advocates like Langkasuka Movement co-founder Intan Jailani, preserving telepuk requires more than just displaying finished pieces; it involves educating people about the craft and providing hands-on opportunities to experience the skill behind each shimmering motif.