Greetings! By the age of 18, a Japanese restaurant named The Five has made its way from Japan to Damansara Heights, offering a unique menu that includes gluten-free udon and plant-based dishes.
In the heart of Kuala Terengganu, the Noor Arfa Craft Complex houses the workshop of Rusman Nordin, the sole active traditional glass craftsman in Terengganu, Malaysia. His dedication to preserving this dying art form is a beacon of hope for the industry's future[1].
Rusman, a father of three, has been crafting captivating glass sculptures for decades. From animals and letters to various items, each piece is unique and eye-catching, making them popular among local and international art enthusiasts[1].
The craft, however, is not without its challenges. The intense heat and demanding nature of the work deter many young people from learning, and the risk of injury from sharp glass shards requires a high level of patience and caution[1].
Rusman's glass sculptures are created using imported Pyrex and soda glass, with the former preferred for detailed work due to its heat resistance and durability[1]. He primarily uses the lampwork technique, a process that involves heating the glass until it becomes soft and malleable before shaping it[1].
Despite the hardships, Rusman remains optimistic. He hopes for government and relevant agencies' intervention to reintroduce glass crafting to the community through training, incentives, or awareness campaigns[1]. He believes that reviving cultural appreciation for the craft, celebrated in countries like China, could help ensure its survival[1].
The traditional glass crafting industry in Terengganu is nearly extinct, with a severe lack of young artisans[1]. The artisanal traditional craft remains endangered due to limited practitioners and public interest, contrasting with the modern glass manufacturing activity in Malaysia, which is typically factory-based and industrial[2][3].
Rusman's journey in glass crafting began in 1989 when he learned the art from a Chinese man in Kuala Lumpur[1]. His interest grew over time as he became comfortable with the tools and the process[1].
The biggest challenge in sustaining glass crafting, according to Rusman, is the lack of interest in this traditional craft among young people[1]. Furthermore, many people are unaware of glass crafting[1].
As we move forward, the future of traditional glass crafting in Terengganu heavily depends on increased cultural value being placed on this art form. With committed artisans like Rusman Nordin and calls for community and government support, there is hope for the revival and preservation of this captivating craft.
- Despite the popularity of his glass sculptures among art enthusiasts, both locally and internationally, the traditional glass crafting industry in Malaysia's Terengganu region is nearly extinct.
- Rusman, who began learning the art of glass crafting in Kuala Lumpur in 1989, believes that the future of traditional glass crafting heavily depends on increased cultural value being placed on this art form.
- Aiming to revive interest in traditional glass crafting, Rusman has expressed hope for the intervention of the government and relevant agencies in reintroducing it to the community through training, incentives, or awareness campaigns.
- In addition to concerns about the dwindling number of practitioners, Rusman also notes that a lack of awareness about traditional glass crafting poses a significant challenge in sustaining it, especially among the younger generation.
