Master Tan
“It is a matter of safeguarding both the artistry and the wisdom embedded within the craft”
The Lion Head Master
Master Tan, one of Ipoh’s few remaining master lion head makers, has dedicated over 50 years to perfecting this intricate craft. Although he retired in 2021, his work stands as a testament to the art of lion head making in Malaysia. His journey began at just 11 years old, learning under the guidance of his uncle, an immigrant from China. During those early years, strict government regulations limited lion dance performances, making lion heads rare and only available from Hong Kong. When restrictions were lifted, Master Tan took the opportunity to create lion heads locally, establishing the first local lion-head business in Malaysia and transforming the craft into a cultural mainstay.
Master Tan believes firmly that a high-quality lion head must be handcrafted, a labor-intensive process that requires patience and skill. He points out that many modern producers, especially in China, have moved toward machine-based mass production. In contrast, his traditional approach, involving intricate steps from tying the bamboo frame to painting vibrant designs, could take over ten days to complete. This method ensures durability, beauty, and authenticity.
Yet, the industry faces challenges. Affordable, mass-produced lion heads from China have reduced demand for handcrafted pieces, impacting local artisans. At the same time, there is little interest among younger generations to learn the intricate processes required for making lion heads. For Master Tan, however, this craft is more than a livelihood; it’s a way of preserving cultural heritage. Passing down this knowledge is, to him, a matter of safeguarding both the artistry and the wisdom embedded within the craft.
Master Tan officially took up lion head making as a career at age 33 and was already 80 by 2020 when he gave his first interview to a research team. Beyond lion heads, he has crafted dragon heads, lanterns, and other decorative pieces, including an impressive giant mosquito lantern. Becoming a skilled lion head maker, he explains, requires more than just passion and patience; it also demands physical stamina. Each piece requires him to sit for hours, meticulously attending to every detail, creating truly unique, hand-crafted works of art.
With Master Tan’s retirement, only a handful of craftsmen remain in Ipoh who made lion heads with such heartfelt dedication. Though this art may be at risk of fading, there is hope that one day Malaysian society can collaborate closely with craftsmen from China, where lion head crafting has been modernised and is attracting the interest of the younger generation. In China, lion heads have transcended traditional lion dance roles and have inspired new forms, including figurines, keychains, and designs printed on T-shirts and bags.
"It is a matter of safeguarding both the artistry and the wisdom embedded within the craft"
- Master Tan
