Get to learn the making of lion/dragon head costumes at Zhong Shen Trading with its workshop based in Taman Melor, Ipoh. The owner of the workshop and the master of this endangered art, Teh WIn Liang has been crafting these for more than 20 years, which he emphasizes that this process of making requires creativity and patience. “There is a lot of interest but very few who are willing to learn,” he added, as adopted from the Ipoh Echo 16 October 2016.
The making of these head costumes normally involves four steps, which seems simple; In the contrary, it is actually an intricate process requiring time, patience and effort in making one perfect head. He said a base must be created with bamboo sticks. A good base is vital for a good head, as it determines how durable it will be. Secondly, paper is stuck securely onto the base. Third, the head must be painted with different colours. Lastly, beads and other sorts of ornaments will be added for decoration, he said. (Adopted from "The making of a lion/dragon head costume", an article of New Straits Times, 24 February 2019)
Here you will get to learn more about its history and origin, and to understand its functions.
Day 1
The Making of Lion/Dragon Head Costumes
We will start the class with 1 hour introduction to get briefing on the making of lion/dragon head costumes and its contents, followed by another 1 hour interactive workshop with our local expert. In this workshop, participant(s) could get to learn and practise on the proper technique and steps in making these costumes. First, create a base with bamboo sticks, with this material provides a good foundation for the head. A good base is vital for a good head, as it determines how durable it will be. Secondly, paper is used to stuck securely onto the base. Third, different colours would be applied for the head. Last but not least, beads and other sorts of ornaments will be added for decoration as final touch. Most importantly, this is to allow participant(s) to learn the basics steps in making detailed lion/dragon head costumes and get to appreciate its beauty incooperated with strong Chinese cultural elements.
Simple and casual wear.
This is an indoor activity.
Please meet at our shop, see address and map below.
