Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Rich Tapestry

Remember - I talked about Azah Aziz's beautiful coffee table book about Malay costume, Rupa dan Gaya, a couple of months ago! I lamented at the time that it didn't seem to be being promoted.

Well, - yesterday there was a two-page spread about it by Neil Khor Jin Keong in Star Two perfectly timed to coincide with Hari Raya and the season of dressing up. (I felt as if I were at a fashion show yesterday - especially with my gorgeous nieces parading the latest in kebayas and kurongs at eldest sister's open house!)

Writes Khor:
... by combining lavish illustrations with selected pantun as well as extracts from legendary stories and court chronicles, Kak Azah has succeeded in creating not only an invaluable book on Malay costumes but also one that provides a deep insight into the Malay worldview.
This book is a very important one on Malay heritage and well worth seeking out: I hope it hits the bookshops soon.

(Right - the author. Above, costume of Cik Siti Wan Kembang, the warrior queen of Kelantan.)

1 comment:

Chet said...

I saw the article and thought of you, Sharon. I remember your blog entry about it, but at the time, didn't catch the name of the book's author.

Azah Aziz is the right person to write the book. I'm not sure if I'm addressing her correctly; as the wife of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz, I'm not sure if she has a title of her own. My apologies if she has and I've addressed her incorrectly.