Just across the causeway, 300 craftsmen from around the country have gathered their wares and put their skills on show. Modern handicraft methods as well as time honoured ones will be promoted at the annual Johor Craft Festival that will be held from 24 till 29 December, 10am to 10pm, at the Angsana Johor Bahru Mall. Jointly organised by the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board and Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, this year’s festival aims to foster innovation in terms of design and creation, to spur forward thinking development in Malaysia’s traditional handicrafts. Separately, it also cites increasing public awareness and interest as amongst of its chief aims, so be prepared for an engaging and immersive experience at the 5th Annual Johor Craft Festival 2015.
There will be a wide range of craft types through each day, broken down into five categories; these are textile, forest based, earthen based, metal based, and a miscellaneous category. Of these, textile takes centre-stage this year with the unveiling of Shiboritik – a method of tie and dye, where the designs are not random and can be predetermined. Ms. Fatimah Chik, who is credited with applying the Japanese method of tying and dying fabric to batik making and coining the portmanteau term Shibori-tik, will be on site to show off her signature products, conduct interactive sessions, field an introduction discussion on her wares and hold fashion shows of her designs.
Another display worth getting excited over is the Kembang Api (Glory of Fire). This is a demonstration in the art of copper metal working. Copper ware is renowned for its heat retaining properties and cooking pots are highly prized by chefs and housewives alike. Heat is conducted evenly throughout the vessels and cooking food is a more controlled and precise affair, allowing you to braise and brown food to perfection.
On the topic of food, there will also be a segment on the culinary delights of Johor Traditional cooking. There will be cooking demonstrations to inspire minds and taste buds alike. To present the delicious dishes, where better than to serve them in traditional ceramic bowls? These can be purchased at the stalls set up by the ceramic artisans at the festival and attendees will get to witness the process of firing the traditional styled tableware, using rice husks. For shoppers, a host of crafts for all occasions and spaces such as the garden, home, bedroom, and office will be on sale. The much lauded Shiboritik textiles also go on sale on the premises. Children should not feel left out during the festival as colouring competitions, paper colouring and 3D street art classes will be held especially for kids.
With 5 million in sales and over 50,000 people in attendance last year, this year’s Festival is expected to draw a sizable crowd as well. Do catch the event, make a family outing of it, or you will have to wait a whole year for the next one.
Where: Johor Bahru Town, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall
When: 24 Dec till 29 Dec 2015, 10am till 10 pm daily
For more info please visit: www.kraftangan.gov.my.
