Sifu Siow's Handcrafted Lion Heads In High Demand For CNY, Locally And Abroad

 SHAH ALAM, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- With Chinese New Year fast approaching, the Wan Seng Hang Dragon and Lion Arts workshop in Bandar Pinggiran Subang is a hive of activity, as skilled craftsmen meticulously handcraft hundreds of lion heads—an iconic symbol deeply treasured by the Chinese community.

Siow Ho Phiew, better known as Sifu Siow, is at the heart of this thriving enterprise. Renowned for his craftsmanship, his lion heads are sought after by not only local customers but also highly prized in Europe and Australia.

Sifu Siow, 70, began his journey in lion head crafting in 1986, though his passion for the art traces back to the 1970s when his active involvement in lion dancing first sparked his interest.

During those early years, he crafted lion heads solely for personal use, not yet envisioning it as a commercial endeavour.

“I used to perform in lion dances. The lion heads were quite heavy and easily damaged since they were made from bamboo. So, I decided to make one for my own use,” Sifu Siow shared during a recent visit to his workshop.

“I began experimenting, closely studying the frames of old lion heads. Then within a year, I had designed and crafted one that received positive reviews from friends. They liked my design because it was sturdier,” he added. 

In 2012, Sifu Siow was honoured with the Selangor Master Craftsman Award, a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication to the intricate art of lion head crafting.

To keep up with the overwhelming demand during the festive season, he often found himself virtually living in his workshop.

The native of Selangor revealed that this year, he has received over 400 orders for lion heads. Each one takes about eight days to complete, meticulously tailored to meet the unique designs requested by his customers.

He explained that crafting a lion head requires immense patience and focus to ensure the best quality because the process involves numerous stages. 

The name of his workshop, Wan Seng Hang, roughly translated means “always the best”. 

“That’s why we constantly strive to improve our craft. We’re deeply grateful to see our work recognised worldwide,” he added.

In his designs, Sifu Siow incorporates local craftsmanship, skillfully blending traditional elements like batik fabric into the lion heads and bodies, making them a vibrant fusion of culture and artistry.

Reflecting on the coming New Year, Sifu Siow expressed a heartfelt wish: “I hope for good news in every aspect of life for myself and everyone else.”

The Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, will be celebrated on Jan 29, 2025. According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake symbolises intelligence and strategic thinking—qualities that resonate deeply with Sifu Siow’s approach to his craft.

-- BERNAMA