Arts 8: Malaysian Batik and Kites

Study Notes

Malaysian batik is prominently found in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, featuring common motifs like leaves, flowers, and geometrical designs such as spirals.
Batik patterns are characterized by their larger and simpler designs, enhancing the visual appeal and traditional significance.
Wau Kite, a unique Malaysian kite, is celebrated at annual festivals, notably the Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival, aimed at attracting tourists.
Relief sculpture in Malaysia consists of three types:
- Alto form: A highly pronounced sculpture where forms are almost completely detached from the surface, similar to Egyptian art.
- Bas form: Minimal extension from the base, often used as decorative elements in Greek and Roman architecture like the Colosseum.
- Sunken relief: Images carved into the surface rather than raised, contributing to a distinctive artistic style.
The best Malay woodcarving hails from Terengganu and Kelantan, with two subcategories:
- Ukiran halus (fine carving): Involves detailed relief patterns and decorative elements like keris hilts and bed heads.
- Ukiran kasar (rough carving): Pertains to larger objects such as furniture, emphasizing practical design.

Thai art emerges from Buddhist influences coupled with scenes from Indian epics, shaped by indigenous cultures like the Mon and Khmer.
During the Sukothai and Ayutthaya periods, Thai art saw the development of a distinctive style influenced by other Asian artistic elements.
Sky lanterns, traditionally made from oiled rice paper and bamboo frames, serve as cultural symbols for festivities and have been a part of various celebrations for centuries.
Known as khom loi, these lanterns typically feature a thin paper shell, with a heat source at the base, allowing them to ascend into the sky.
The Loy Krathong Festival, celebrated on the night of the 12th full moon around November, is one of the most popular occasions for sky lanterns in Thailand.
The Yi Peng festival, coinciding with Loy Krathong, involves launching numerous sky lanterns, resembling floating jellyfish in the evening sky, especially in Chiang Mai.
Yi Peng celebrations serve a dual purpose, offering a chance to gain Buddhist merit and fostering community spirit through shared rituals.
The Wat Pho sculpture in Bangkok is a notable example of famous Thai art, renowned for its intricate designs and cultural significance.