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From the legends of Mount Ophir, famously known as Gunung Ledang. A mountain of sheer myth and mystery, entertained by the tale of the fabled celestial princess that inhabits Gunung Ledang alongside the charming misfits of a legendary warrior

Inspired from the ancient Malay weapon, keris, famously used by one of five Musketeers in the Malay folklore, it became a prominent element in our batik design. Wielded by the Malaccan legendary named Hang Tuah, Taming Sari was the sword used by the warrior. Defined as the “flower shield”, the weapon was pervaded with a charm that would make one feel empowered and invulnerable, hence the carvings on the keris are believed to represent the enchantments of ancient myth.

The mountain itself gives an impression of the design shown through its topographical state - the undulating view of the mountains. The continuous topographical changes of the land, emphasizes on the journey of change, of a warrior, through meticulous decisions and patience, within chaos. The undulating mountains hold as a metaphor - rocky journey of the battle between loyalty and romance, of Hang Tuah himself, divine reflection of Malay wisdom and knowledge from centuries ago.

The value of contemporary art and Malaysian culture has established a role in the development of our design, based on the values of ancient Malay legends and myths, that has brought out the sporadic and distinct characteristics. We highly focus on treasuring the exotic Malaysian Batik, which stands out among other batiks and prints out there. Retainment of large motifs with sophisticated designs through the use of spirals and fluid-like lines features, within a kaleidoscope of colours, represents the national batik, combined with a modern twist to the touch of continual lines connecting with one and another. A distinctive representation of Malaysia through pressed prints as its own identity, mimicking an impression of an everlasting yet timeless piece of traditional art.

Asmara,

Defined as ‘romance’ in the Malay classical language conveys a relationship between the warrior and the princess draws a parallel between devotion and fidelity. The literature questions the sacrifices and allegiance between two separate realms, a continuous conquest for validations of monarchy, victory and dignity.

The overall idea of our print was to embody and aspire youths, millennia, in a way for it to suit, with revitalizing the current generation by enhancing the abstraction aspects of the contemporary trend. Delicate and graceful, the intricacy is shown through the modern and hybrid techniques of traditional batik, overlapping and undulated lines, repeated on one another. Our chosen print was highly inspired by the mixture of both Kawung and Ceplok techniques, which are few of the traditional techniques. And as an outcome of our own, we radiate and create within the input of traditional and modern techniques, producing a hybrid and contemporary print. Hence, this embraces the uniqueness and enchanting aura of an individual and their personality whilst captivating the essence of Malaysian art, literature and culture.