Alustil's Secret?

Question

So, I'm heading to Alustil next week to check out their showroom, heard they've got some seriously unique pieces. My friend, a local, told me about this amazing hand-carved headboard they have, apparently a real showstopper, but she wouldn't tell me anything else. Anyone know if they have any hidden design quirks or stories behind their furniture? I'm hoping to find something truly special and maybe learn about the craftsmen's techniques. I'm a sucker for that old-world charm. I'm worried I might get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices though, should of done more research before hand!

cilly · Answer

yeah the showroom's pretty manageable actually, maybe 3-4 rooms worth of stuff so you won't drown in options. that headboard's from their seri set I think, the carvings tell a story about a perak princess and her lover hiding from her father - the top panel shows a moon pattern that only appears under certain light angles. if you want to see something wild ask about the "meja rahsia" table, it's got a false bottom where they used to hide keris and letters during the japanese occupation. the owner's dad was a master carver in kampung gajah so he knows all the old school techniques like using bamboo pins instead of nails. go around 11am on a tuesday, quieter and he's usually free to chat about the wood sourcing from old perak houses

lucia · Answer

honestly you'll be fine, the showroom's not that huge so you won't get lost. that carved headboard your friend mentioned is prob from their jati series, they use old reclaimed teak from demolished houses in northern malaysia. the craftsmen are mostly from kelantan, they do this thing called "ukir timbul" where the carving pops out like 3d, not just surface work. if you want old-world charm ask to see their "kerusi panjang" bench, it's got hidden drawers under the seat that locals used to store wedding dowries. head over on a weekday morning around 10am, less crowded and the owner's usually around to explain the techniques

marika · Answer

The showroom is more curated than overwhelming, they only display about 40-50 pieces at a time so you can actually focus. That headboard you're after is likely from their "Khatulistiwa" line, the carvings are inspired by traditional Minangkabau motifs from Sumatera, not the typical Malay patterns you see everywhere. Ask about the "meja penjuru" corner table, it has a concealed compartment that pivots open with a hidden trigger under the leg, a common feature in old Terengganu homes to keep valuables safe during raids. If you go on a Saturday afternoon the head carver, Pak Man, is usually there doing touch-up work and he's happy to show you how they sharpen their chisels with river stones.

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