Travelogue 29/5/22 - Seni Kayu Warisan

During my degree days, I always listen someone talked about timber architecture and they used to talk about Chengal wood. I know Chengal is highly durable, expensive and endangered but I never see it. Or maybe I have seen it somewhere but I can't recognize it. Finally, this trip gave me a chance to see so many Chengal wood products.

Chengal is considered the number one wood with class 1 durability (classified as heavy hardwood) of Malaysia and export of logs is prohibited due to its scarcity. Chengal wood colour is initially light yellow-brown with a distinct green tinge, when exposed to sunlight, it will darkens to dark purple-brown/red.

The owner, Encik Burhan Ashari is an old man who came from engineering background. He said he grew up in a "soket and batik" family. He loves Malay tradisional engraving art and initially wanted to pursue architecture but his parents suggest him to do engineering. He said he didnt know how to carve and never learn art / architecture before. He didn't carve the wood but he do the colouring part. According to Terengganu branch Kraftangan Malaysia, currently Seni Kayu Warisan is the only company producing wood carvings with coloured surfaces. He emphasize a lot on "passion" which give him persistence in doing this business eventhough it might be difficult to earn a lot of money.

Briefing by Encik Burhan Ashar

There are interns doing the woodcarving supervised by a sifu.

It is impressive to visit the factory and observe the manufacturing process. The factory is natural ventilated and close to nature. The factory is full of dust and dirty but due to the open air design with ventilation and view of greenery. it makes the workers feel comfortable working in this environment.

woodcraving products are dispayed in the studio

Tracing the pattern

wood cutting

Kuala Terengganu town bus with woodcarving design

by Seni Kayu Warisan

I think the business is an important asset of a state. It helps to keep the culture, art and heritage in Terengganu where Malay cultural influences predominate. It provides a good chance for people like us, to gain some knowledge about the local woodwork. Now I know where to get this woodwork supply if my future client love timber furniture. Art business might not so profitable since most people treat art as a luxury item, but it can be meaningful and tell identity of an ethnic group or a place.