Peranakan Beaded Shoes (Manek Ay)

These are some of the greatest collection of my mother's handicrafts! You can call my mum, Auntie Nancy.

FYI. Auntie Nancy is a full-time housewife. During her free time, she indulges herself in creating art, both in the kitchen and on the study table. Yes, she is a terrific cook, and probably the best one I have ever known in my life. She was a Malaysian. (I definitely agree that Malaysian women can COOK.) Therefore, her taste buds, as well as her style, is somewhat traditional and totally TASTY!!! My brother and I grew up watching her practice those artistic skills on our study table as we did our homework. She made her own Chinese New Year Lanterns out of little packs of hongbaos, completed jars of wishing stars etc. Today, one of her most spectacular handiwork are her collection 'Peranakan Beaded Shoes', also commonly known as, Manek Ay.

Here are some of my favourite designs in her collection.
(Auntie Nancy sewed it all by herself. Bead by bead...)

The Peacock

The Rose

Sewing is the first and the most crucial process of a pair of Manek Ay. Each and every bead must be securely fastened together. This process usually taking months, depending on the nature of the design. If one single bead is out of place, you have to redo the entire process. The Rose is an exceptional piece with endless robust details to fill in.

The Peacock (Bronze)

HOT! I love the bronze version of The Peacock because it shines, literally. These beads are reflective. Therefore, it creates the 'sparkling' effect.

Rose Collage

Rose Collage is an exquisite design with a fabulous colour combination of yellow, dark pink and violet. The most feminine Peranakan Beaded Shoe I've ever seen!

Wanna take a closer look? Wanna get a pair for your mum?
Feel free to contact us.
98565909 (personal)
62422842 (fax)
rubyjeantan_88@hotmail.com (email)