Malaysia’s Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah Showcases Johor’s Cultural Heritage in Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, made an elegantly regal appearance during the recent state visit to Brunei, wearing a distinguished blue baju kurung crafted from Kain Benang Johor. The attire, which embodies Johor’s rich cultural heritage, was highlighted on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page.
The post described Kain Benang Johor, a handwoven plaid fabric similar to Songket, as a symbol of Johor’s craftsmanship. Her Majesty’s baju kurung featured the Johor Queen’s tiara motif woven into the Songket Johor Maharani pattern, an exclusive design crafted specifically for her. The choice of blue reflected one of the colors of the Malaysian flag, further adding symbolic significance.
Additionally, it was noted that the Songket Johor Maharani pattern is among ten designs patented under the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO), signifying Johor’s dedication to preserving its textile heritage.
The meticulous production of Kain Benang Johor involves eight distinct steps, including dyeing, threading, and weaving, all completed at Galeri Tenun in Johor Bahru’s Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex. This gallery, established on November 18, 2018, carries forward the legacy of the original Rumah Tenun Johor, founded in 1946 by the late Tengku Ampuan Mariam.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah’s three-day state visit to Brunei, held from October 13 to 15, marked their first official visit since ascending the throne in January of this year, at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.
