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Press Cutting: Legacy Stitched In Gold
The article is based on an interview with Azizah Adam, a craftswoman from Kampung Padang Changkat, Bukit Chandan in Kuala Kangsar. Azizah has been making and teaching the skill of 'tekat' (embroidery) for almost 40 years. She specialises in all three forms of embroidery:
- Tekat Benang Emas (gold thread embroidery)
- Tekat Perada (gold foil applique embroidery)
- Tekat Gubah (couched embroidery)
Tekat Benang Emas, the most common of the three, involves the stitching of imported gold threads on velvet fabric. The motifs are first done on a pith (made from thick paper, like elephant board) and consist of the craftsman's interpretation of nature and geometric patterns. The pith forms an 'underlay' making the patterns look raised on the fabric. It is said that this art was once exclusively for royalty and nobility; later the skills were passed down to the common folk. Today tekat is slowly being re-branded by designers as part of the vintage fashion collection. Once only used for furnishing and clothing, tekat is now also used in accessories.