South East Asia

The countries & regions of South East Asia:

Brunei Darussalam | Cambodia | Indonesia | Laos PDR | Malaysia | Myanmar | Philippines | Thailand | Timor-Leste | Vietnam

Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam is richly endowed with cultural heritage steadfastly maintained until today. The setting up of the Arts and Handicraft Centre in 1975 is a living testimony to the preservation and the proliferation of the arts and crafts of the bygone days which Brunei was renowned for. Boat making, silver-smithing, bronze tooling, cloth weaving as well as mat and basket weaving are some of the skills seen in the area. Relics and other various artistic heritage elements include Malay weaponry, woodcarvings, traditional games, traditional musical instruments, ‘silat’ (the traditional art of self defense) and decorative items for women.

Cambodia

Cambodia is home to a diverse range of traditional crafts that reflect its rich cultural heritage and artistic talent. One of the most prominent crafts is silk weaving, where artisans create stunning textiles using age-old ikat and other techniques with vibrant natural dyes. Rattan and bamboo artisans create beautiful pieces, infusing warmth and sustainability into their work. Wood carving, particularly of religious figures and intricate decorative items, showcases exceptional craftsmanship. Cambodian silver items often feature traditional motifs inspired by local culture and nature. Through each creation, Cambodian artisans share their identity and heritage, inviting the world to experience the beauty and resilience of their culture.

Indonesia

Indonesian crafts have various styles, patterns and designs, most of which were inherited from ancestors with various cultural backgrounds. Traditional or spiritual values from many tribes are reflected in the colours, forms and typical crafts from various regions. Cloth weaving is prevalent throughout the country, including Songket and ikat weaving. Indonesia is well known for its rattan baskets, earthenware, ceramics and silverware. Beside batik, they are also known for silver jewelry especially from Yogyakarta, Bali and Surabaya. The application of pearls (from Lombok) in accessories and jewellery is one of the best. Other crafts include plait work of lontar leaves, bamboo and pandanus leaves into various forms such as baskets, bags, hats, mats, wallets and household articles.

Laos PDR

Laos is known for its vibrant traditional crafts, reflecting its diverse culture and history. Renowned for its exquisite textiles, particularly silk and handspun cotton in Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, produced through traditional weaving techniques passed down for generations. These are often dyed with natural colors showcasing their cultural heritage. Lao artisans excel in creating intricate bamboo crafts, including baskets and mats, showcasing skill and resourcefulness. Wood carving is another prominent craft, with beautifully crafted sculptures and functional items that highlight the artistry of Lao craftsmen. Pottery, even at a smaller scale but still displays unique styles. These crafts not only provide economic opportunities for local communities but also serve as a means to preserve Laos's cultural identity and heritage for future generations.

Malaysia

Malaysia has a variety of crafts due to its diverse multicultural population. Amongst the crafts are textiles like batik, Malay 'kain songket' and Iban 'pua kumbu' ikat weaving, as well as embroidery, beadwork, kite making, pewter making, ceramics, knife making, and wood carving. 'Kain songket', woven with gold and silver threads, is used for formal occasions and weddings. Malaysian batik is hand drawn with wax or made printed with metal blocks . Kite making is a highly technical skill, passed through generations, and the renowned brand of Selangor Pewter produces a multitude of tableware and gift items. Basketry and mat making using rattan, bamboo and other natural fibres are made by many ethnic communities especially in the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah.

Myanmar

In Myanmar, traditional crafts are an expression of culture and resilience, each piece telling a story of heritage and artistry. One of the most celebrated crafts is the intricate weaving of textiles, particularly in Shan State, where artisans create stunning fabrics adorned with traditional patterns. The production of lacquerware, especially from Bagan, features meticulously crafted pieces that combine beauty with functionality. Wood carving, often infused with spiritual symbolism, transforms simple materials into stunning masterpieces, evoking a powerful sense of history. These crafts are lifelines for communities, preserving cultural identity and offering hope, making them invaluable treasures in Myanmar's rich tapestry of life.

Philippines

Weaving is one of the most important crafts of the Philippines, producing clothes, accessories, crafts, braided bowls and baskets. The cocomidrib is used primarily in the handicraft industry as a material for coarse brooms (tingting) and baskets. It can be dyed easily and formed into interesting products such as canisters and tabletop accessories (ceramic liners, and bowls) in combination with other materials. In addition, bamboo and rattan are widely used in making furniture items.

Thailand

Thailand has a uniquely long-standing tradition of arts and crafts. Unlike most of its neighbours, it has never been occupied by a foreign power or engaged in wars of conquest. Patronised by the court and the temples, the designs and craftsmanship of Thai artisans has flourished, producing pieces of delicate workmanship and intricate design. Thai textiles are probably the best-known example of its indigenous handicrafts, while other craft items include silverware, lacquerware, jewellery, earthenware, baskets, furniture and wood carving. Wooden pieces can be crafted into elegant floral displays, stunning carvings or graceful and unusual furniture.

Timor-Leste (East Timor)

Information coming soon!

Vietnam

Vietnam is a land of crafts with approximately 1.58 million artisans. It has 2,008 craft villages spread across the country, including large craft production centres such as Hanoi City, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces. The typical crafts of Vietnam are rattan, bamboo, ceramics, wood carving, lacquerware, handloom textiles, embroidery. Besides domestic production and consumption, crafts of Vietnam are being exported to 163 countries and territories around the world with an annual export turnover of over 3 billion USD. Vietnam's crafts and craft villages have a long history of development, many of which have a history of more than 1,000 years. Vietnam has two craft villages, Bat Trang ceramic village and Van Phuc silk weaving village, which are recognised as WCC-World Crafts Cities.

Learn about the countries in other sub-regions

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Each region of the WCC-APR is represented by an elected Vice-President, as well as additional Honorary Members and Advisors.