Malay Motifs

Introducing “Malay Motifs in Songket”: a publication that delves into the rich cultural significance of traditional Malay motifs found in Songket, a luxurious handwoven fabric.

Discover the stories behind each motif, including the intricate details of the Bunga Tanjung, a flower that signifies beauty and grace, among others. By understanding the meaning behind each motif, we can better appreciate the intricate artistry and cultural significance of these motifs.

This publication aims to educate and inspire readers to appreciate the beauty and richness of Malay culture.

The Malay Motifs

Malay motifs and patterns are traditional designs commonly found in Malay art, textiles, weaving, and architecture. The creation of motifs in traditional Malay crafts is influenced by the elements of the environment.

The forest has always been an important source of inspiration for Malay art and culture. Traditional Malay crafts, such as woodcarving and weaving, have been influenced by the natural forms and patterns found in the forest.

The important environmental elements in traditional Malay crafts can be divided into three categories: flora, fauna, and cosmos.

Malay motifs and are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the Malay people and their close relationship with the natural world.

The Songket

Songket is a traditional Malay fabric that is woven using gold or silver threads to create intricate patterns. It is commonly used in weddings, religious ceremonies, and other special occasions.

Some common motifs used in songket include the bunga tanjung flower, geometric tumpal patterns, and intricate kerawang designs.

The flora of the forest has a significant influence on the motifs used in Malay songket. In the past, many Malay communities lived in traditional villages or settlements that were located in or near the forest.

Flower motifs are the most commonly used motifs in traditional Malay crafts. These motifs, inspired by flora, fauna, and cosmos, not only represent the aesthetic beauty of the craft but also hold moral teachings and animistic beliefs.

The sea hibiscus flower, known as the bunga tanjung, is one of the most beloved floral motifs used in Malay songket. Its intricate design is achieved through the skillful use of gold or silver threads, resulting in an elegant and timeless pattern on the fabric.

Malay songket also commonly features other floral motifs such as the bunga melur, or jasmine, and the bunga raya, or hibiscus flower, which is the national flower of Malaysia.

Flora Influence

Bunga Tanjung

Bunga Tanjung is known for its welcoming and friendly symbolism. It is often used as a way to greet guests, and songket with this motif is commonly worn by the host or hostess to welcome visitors

Bunga Pecah Lapan

Bunga Bintang motif consists of eight pointed petals that are joined in the middle to form a star. This motif is also known as Bunga Pecah Lapan.

Bunga Cengkih

Bunga Cengkih also known as Clove is believed to revitalise and rejuvenate.

Tampuk Manggis

The Tampuk Manggis (mangosteen) motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is a symbol of equality and honesty. This motif implies that a person should cultivate an honest and sincere character, aligning their outer behavior with their inner thoughts.

Bunga Raya

Bunga Raya also known as the hibiscus flower. It represents the beauty, strength, and resilience of Malay culture and is a testament to the enduring influence of this iconic flower in Malay society.

Contemporary Design

Simplified and self-interpreted the intricate Malay motifs to an 8mm grid. The aim was to create a more contemporary design, while still retaining the essence of the original motifs. This involved breaking down the intricate details of the motifs and reconfiguring them into a simplified form that could be easily replicated on the grid

Bright colors were incorporated to the design to further modernize the motifs. Traditional Malay patterns are known for their intricate designs, which have been simplified in this project.

This process of simplification was necessary as Malay patterns are well-known for their complex and intricate design, and to make the patterns more accessible to a wider audience.

Designed by Raja Nurul Huda Binte Raja Ahmad

Typeface

Helvetica

Published in 2023

Printed in Singapore by Sinprint

Presented to the Faculty of Design School of Design Communication, Lasalle College of the Arts

In partial fulfilment of the requirement for the B-DC332/Graduation Project

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any other form of information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the publisher.

All images belong to the publisher.

Malay Motifs