Siow Ho Phiew, better known as Sifu Siow, is at the heart of this thriving enterprise. His lion heads are not just sought after by local customers; they are also highly prized in Europe and Australia.

Siow, 70, began crafting lion heads in 1986, although his passion for the art traces back to the 1970s when he was actively involved in lion dancing. 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, but the lion heads were heavy and easily damaged since they were made from bamboo. So I decided to make one for my own use,” Siow told Bernama during a recent visit to his workshop.

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

Siow skillfully blends traditional elements like batik fabric into the lion heads and bodies, making them a vibrant fusion of culture and artistry.

In 2012, he 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.

This year, he received over 400 orders for lion heads, each requiring about eight days to complete, meticulously tailored to meet the unique designs requested by his customers.

The Selangor native explained that crafting a lion head requires immense patience and focus, as the process involves numerous stages.

The name of his workshop, Wan Seng Hang, roughly translates to “always the best”. “It’s why we constantly strive to improve our craft. We’re deeply grateful to see our work recognised worldwide,” Siow added.

Reflecting on the Lunar New Year, he expressed this heartfelt wish: “I hope for good news in every aspect of life for myself and everyone else.”