Shah Alam- Kain telepuk, a rich fabric usually worn by Malay royalty and nobility since 300 years ago, will be introduced to state leaders and ordinary people to be worn at royal functions.
Selangor Museum Board chairman Datuk Amzah Umar said the museum had submitted a proposal to the Selangor government for the purpose and with the aim of reviving and spreading the dying art of telepuk.
Telepuk involves imprinting motifs, usually floral, on fine cotton or silk using gold leaves or gold dust, thus adding glitter to the fabric. Sometimes, silver is used for the motifs.
The telepuk cloth is believed to be introduced to the Malay peninsula by Bugis traders from Celebes, Indonesia in the 17th or 18th century.
Amzah said a workshop would be held soon to discuss the matter and the outcome would be compiled into a book to be submitted to the state government for consideration.
He was speaking to reporters after opening an exhibition on "The Glorious Telepuk Heritage" at the Sultan Alam Shah Museum here today.
The exhibition which begins today will end on July 29.
Telepuk comprises three traditional Malay craftsmanship -- weaving, menggerus (polishing the cloth to make it smooth) and imprinting golden motifs onto the cloth using moulds.
Telepuk cloth was widely used during the reign of Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah and won by his consort, Tengku Ampuan Jemaah.
Amzah called on those interested in telepuk, to do research on it and to come up with the technology to produce the cloth on a commercial basis.
Meanwhile, the exhibition organising committee chairman Prof Dr Siti Zainon Ismail said besides Selangor, the fabric was also worn by the nobility in Perak and Kedah, presented as a bridal gift and worn as a wedding attire.
"The telepuk fabric will make a beautiful official attire such as at royal installation, investiture and wedding ceremonies," she said.
Source: www.bernama.com (12 Mei 2007)
