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Today, I want to share how I was inspired to create a new artwork by rendering the 2011-completed Malaysia New National Palace (Istana Negara) in paper carving. This palace serves as the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia) and covers 241.5 acres (97.65 hectares) on Jalan Duta in Kuala Lumpur. Its magnificent exterior and profound historical significance captivated me, leading me to preserve it through paper carving art.ㅤㅤ

▋A Symbol of Majestic Architecture and History

The New National Palace's architecture is unique, featuring 22 Islamic-style domes, with the tallest dome reaching 60 meters, symbolizing the esteemed status of the King and Queen in the country.

Particularly notable are the palace's two largest central domes, designed with overlapping betel leaf terns that transform into vivid lines when illuminated at night. This beautiful and majestic design is awe-inspiring both day and night.

 

▋Cultural and Artistic Interior

The palace's interior decor centers around Islamic civilization and Malaysian cultural elements, resembling a palace of Islamic civilization and culture. Its expansive interiors are designed with various rooms and halls for different functions, adorned with traditional Malay paintings, carvings, and decorations.

 The intricate details of the beams, columns, skylights, and walls, along with all the furnishings, reflect a blend of civilization and artistry. Each handcrafted piece of furniture and decoration is lavishly painted in gold, showcasing the royal opulence.

 

▋The Birth of Inspiration 

Standing before the New National Palace, feeling its grandeur and solemnity, I was struck by the idea: why not preserve this magnificent building through paper carving art?

Paper carving can intricately depict every detail of the architecture and allow more people to appreciate the palace's beauty and history through this artistic medium.

 

▋Challenges and Joys of Paper Carving Creation

Transforming such a complex and grand structure into a paper carving is a highly challenging task. We needed to meticulously study every aspect of the palace's design,

from the Islamic-style domes to the intricate betel leaf patterns and the detailed interior decorations. Using high-quality paper and specialized carving tools, we aimed to perfectly recreate the palace's elegance and majesty in paper.

 

▋Heritage and Innovation

Through the art of paper carving, we are not only reproducing a building, but also inheriting a piece of history and culture.

We hope to use this art form to allow more people to understand the history and culture of the Malaysian New National Palace, while also showcasing the infinite possibilities of paper carving art. As a traditional handicraft, paper carving can be revitalized with new vitality through our innovation and efforts.