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老槟城 OLD PENANG - KUNO STORY PILLAR

A Living Mosaic of Cultures, Crafts & Memories

Old Penang is the soul of Malaysia's heritage — a vibrant meeting point of Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities whose traditions shaped the island's identity.
Every craft, every handmade object, every symbol reflects a story carried through generations.

Through KUNO, these stories are transformed into living art — a way to appreciate culture not only through memory, but through everyday life.

THE ESSENCE OF OLD PENANG

Old Penang is where: hands become storytellers, traditions become design, culture becomes something you can touch, wear, and live with.

It is not about preserving the past, but about keeping it alive — in patterns, materials, and motifs that resonate even today.

CHINESE COMMUNITY — Devotion, Precision & Heritage Craft

The Chinese community enriched Penang with intricate craftsmanship rooted in symbolism and ancestral reverence.

Wood Carving — Sacred Artistry

Fine, meticulous carving shaped many spiritual and cultural objects:

divine statues

inscribed plaques

ancestral tablets
Each piece carried blessings, lineage, and devotion.


Embroidery — Threads of Elegance

Delicate needlework adorned:

embroidered wallets

traditional bags

decorative fans
These items reflected beauty, patience, and the artistry of daily life.


Ceramics — Symbolic Porcelain Traditions

Homes and kopitiams were filled with meaningful porcelain pieces:

classic blue & white ceramics

sunflower motifs

dragon & phoenix patterns

double happiness symbols

traditional Chinese coffee cups
Ceramics here were more than functional

— they were cultural heirlooms.

MALAY COMMUNITY — Nature, Craft & Symbolic Art

Malay artisans used natural materials, storytelling motifs, and graceful crafting methods to create objects infused with tradition.

Batik Fabric — Motifs of Identity

Used in: Sarongs, Clothing, Tablecloths
Batik patterns expressed harmony, flora, heritage, and regional identity.


Woven Products — Beauty from Nature

Rattan and pandan leaves were transformed into:

Baskets, Containers, Straw mats (tikar)
Practical yet artistic, these pieces defined Malay home life.


Sirih Box — Symbol of Hospitality

The betel leaf container symbolised respect and togetherness in Malay social customs.

 

Keris — Spirit of Craftsmanship

The iconic Malay dagger represents bravery, lineage, and sacred craftsmanship — a cultural treasure with deep meaning.

INDIAN COMMUNITY — Rituals, Metalwork & Culinary Heritage

The Indian community contributed metal artistry and culinary tools that sharpened Penang’s cultural and sensory landscape.

Religious Copper Artifacts

Used in temples and rituals:

copper cups

bells
Their presence brought rhythm, devotion, and continuity.


Copper Trays — Ceremonial Elegance

Used in offerings, celebrations, and as family keepsakes.

 

Stone Grinder — Heart of Flavour

Traditional tool for grinding spices and chilies — the essence of Indian cooking begins here.

 

Mortar & Pestle — A Kitchen Heirloom

A symbol of shared meals, family recipes, and hand-crafted flavours.