This is particularly true for communities such the Peranakans, (The language of the Peranakans, Baba Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baba) or Peranakan Malay, is a creole language related to the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu), which contains many Hokkien words. It is a dying language, and its contemporary use is mainly limited to members of the older generation.) whose intricate art and traditions risk being overlooked.
For me, this issue hits close to home since my grandparents are Peranakan. Additionally, I was born and raised in Penang, a place steeped in Peranakan culture. From the colourful shophouses to the delicious food and vibrant festivals, Peranakan heritage has always been a part of my life. As I’ve watched the world change, I’ve realized how easy it is for these traditions to be overshadowed by modernization. This realization was a great motivator behind my final year project.
The Inspiration Behind Nyonya Nouveau
Among the many facets of Peranakan culture, I chose to focus specifically on Peranakan artistry. This decision stemmed from a desire to highlight the intricate beauty and significance of Peranakan art forms, which are often overlooked in broader cultural discussions. I wanted to find a way to bridge the gap between modern interests and cultural preservation, to create something that could capture people’s attention.
After researching, I found out that there has been an on-going trend for collectible card games like Pokémon and collecting blind boxes. Thus, the concept for my project Nyonya Nouveau was born! The thrill of discovery and the joy of collecting rare items is what captivates people so I saw an opportunity to merge these concepts together with the rich tapestry of Peranakan artistry by creating a project that would not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
Crafting the Concept
With a solid foundation of research, I moved on to conceptualizing. I drew inspiration from popular collectible card games such as Pokémon that use different tiers to categorize cards. I decided to implement a similar tier system in Nyonya Nouveau, organizing the cards into five categories: Common (C), Rare (R), Super Rare (SR), Technique, and Hidden. These tiers are categorized based on the endangered status of each artifact, reflecting their actual rarity and cultural significance.
Common (C) tier includes artifacts that are widely recognized and moderately endangered. These pieces are still relatively well-known, though their presence is gradually diminishing. Rare (R) tier includes artifacts that are harder to find, particularly outside regions rich in Peranakan culture such as Penang or Malacca. The endangered level for these items is high, showing their scarcity in most areas. Super Rare (SR) tier features lesser known artifacts that are exclusive and intricately crafted. These pieces are at an extremely high risk of disappearing, making them particularly valuable and rare. Technique cards explain the different techniques used in Peranakan artistry, offering educational insights into the craftsmanship behind these cultural treasures. The tier system not only adds excitement but also raises awareness about the preservation of Peranakan art by highlighting the varying levels of risk associated with each artifact. Lastly, the inclusion of three hidden cards is one of the unique features of Nyonya Nouveau. Hidden cards are extremely rare and have a one-in-a-thousand chance of being found. This element of surprise mirrors the thrill of discovering mystery figures in blind boxes, making the process of collecting them even more engaging and rewarding.
To help collectors distinguish between these tiers, a range of visual and tactile elements were used. Colours and shapes play a key role, with each tier featuring a different shape and colour scheme that not only highlights the card’s rarity but also adds to the overall aesthetic of the collection.
Moreover, I decided to incorporate different laminations for Rare (R), Super Rare (SR) and Hidden (H) tiers to enhance the visual appeal and tactile experience of the cards. The use of these laminations not only makes the cards visually striking but also mirrors the concept of rarity and value found in Pokémon cards. Each lamination is carefully chosen to complement the artwork, highlighting the intricate details of the Peranakan artifacts and adding an extra layer of depth to the overall design. This approach ensures that every card in Nyonya Nouveau is not just a piece of art but also a collector’s item, offering a unique and immersive experience for players.
In addition to their visual appeal, each card includes rich educational content that provides players with insights into the history and cultural significance of every artifact depicted. This educational aspect ensures that players are not only collecting beautiful pieces of art but are also learning about the traditions and craftsmanship that have shaped Peranakan heritage over centuries. What makes these cards even more special is the personal narrative woven into each one. Every card tells a heartwarming story of my grandparents, Baba Wong and Nyonya Chin, who were the source of inspiration for this project. Their story is intricately linked to the artifacts on the cards, adding layers of meaning and context that go beyond mere visual appreciation. For example, a card featuring Kasot Manek (traditional beaded slipper) shares a memory of how my grandmother meticulously handcrafted it, blending her love for art with her daily life.
This storytelling element transforms the experience of collecting the cards into something much more immersive and personal. By intertwining personal stories with cultural artifacts, it can foster a deeper appreciation for Peranakan culture.
The Design Process
As part of my design process, I visited Malacca for further research since I wanted to have firsthand experience seeing the artifacts that I was going to illustrate. I visited places like Jonker Street, Baba-Nyonya Museum, Peranakan Place, etc. as these places were filled with detailed examples of Peranakan artistry. During my trip, I took pictures and closely observed the artifacts, from the intricate beadwork on Kasot Manek (traditional beaded slippers) to the elaborate designs of porcelain ware and textiles.
All of this was intended to avoid oversimplification and unintentionally misinterpreting Peranakan culture. This was quite time-consuming as I wanted to make sure that each artifact was illustrated to accurately represent the actual artifact it depicted. Besides, I also wanted each illustration to reflect the intricacy and craftsmanship of Peranakan artistry, so I paid close attention to the colours, patterns and textures of the artifacts and tried to recreate them as closely as possible.
Introducing Nyonya Nouveau
Nyonya Nouveau is a trading card set that invites players to explore the captivating world of Peranakan art. The goal is simple, it is to collect cards that highlight the rich beauty and diverse traditions of Peranakan artistry. Each pack comes with 8 random cards and there are a total of 55 cards to collect. An instruction manual is also included in each pack in which the front page is an introduction to Peranakan culture and the back page is an overview of the different cards you can get.
Expanding the Experience
Multiple touch points such as posters, websites, and merchandise were included to further extend the reach and impact of Nyonya Nouveau. A range of merchandise such as stickers, keychains, postcards, collectors’ cases, and collection books are included. These items serve as tangible reminders of the beauty and significance of Peranakan art that help to spread awareness and appreciation beyond the game itself.
I had the incredible opportunity to join my batch’s final year showcase — Interlude— where we displayed our graduation projects. It was a proud moment for me to see my designs being appreciated by the people who visited the showcase. Many visitors were intrigued by my project and took the time to talk to me, eager to learn more about the inspiration and process behind Nyonya Nouveau. Their curiosity and enthusiasm were incredibly encouraging.
Some even suggested that I could expand this concept into a series that celebrates other cultures in Malaysia, such as the Chitty community, which sparked new ideas for future projects.
What was particularly meaningful to me were the conversations I had with visitors from Malacca and Penang. They expressed genuine admiration for my work, noting how the colours I used and the illustrations I created captured the essence of Peranakan artistry very well. Hearing my designs resonate with people who are closely connected to the culture was incredibly validating. It reinforced my belief that I had succeeded in conveying the beauty and spirit of Peranakan heritage through my project. It is also rewarding to watch the people engage with and admire the result of my hard work and passion.
Embarking on this final year project has been an incredibly fulfilling experience that has shaped both my creative and academic journey. This project has provided me with a unique opportunity to fuse my passion for design, storytelling, and cultural preservation into cohesive and meaningful work. I wanted a project that not only highlighted my skills but also made a significant contribution to the appreciation and preservation of cultural heritage. As I reflect on my journey, I am proud of how Nyonya Nouveau has evolved from an initial concept into a fully realized product!
The impact of Nyonya Nouveau extends beyond its role as a game. It serves as a means of fostering a deeper appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity. By highlighting the beauty and significance of Peranakan art, the project contributes to a broader understanding of cultural heritage and encourages players to explore and celebrate the richness of traditions from around the world.