Restless retiree finds niche in diorama crafting

KUCHING: Retiree and former Institut Kemahiran Mara instructor, Zulkifli Sahak, has found a unique passion for crafting intricate diorama miniatures, operating under his Kuching Heritage business venture.

Known for his skill in carpentry, Zulkifli, 62, initially began creating dioramas as a hobby but has since turned it into a successful business, receiving orders from enthusiasts and customers across the state.

“Well, I started this business last year and received many orders from customers.

Zulkifli holding a wooden miniature building with Sarawak Tribune signage.

“One of my customers had commissioned me to create a miniature building of an old shop lot along Jalan Main Bazaar which has been passed down for generations.

“So from there, I started this business of making diorama miniatures,” said Zul when met by Sarawak Tribune.

Originally from Selangor, Zulkifli has lived in Sarawak for nearly 40 years.

Before diorama-making, he owned a welding workshop, which he passed on to his child after health concerns led him to undergo heart surgery last year.

“I used to own a welding shop, but my health suffered, and in November 2022, I had heart surgery. My doctor advised me to avoid strenuous work, and my family was also concerned,” he said.

“So, I passed the business to one of my children.”

“I felt restless without something to do. Making dioramas allows me to stay active and use my skills in a way that’s fulfilling,” he said.

Diorama miniatures designed and created by Zulkifli. Some of his designs are made from 3D printing and laser-cutting method. Photo: Alverdtekoster Anyap

To date, Zulkifli has crafted over 20 dioramas, many of which are available in stock. He also creates custom pieces for customers seeking unique gifts or personal mementos.

Diorama is a three-dimensional exhibit, often miniature in scale, frequently housed in a cubicle and viewed through an aperture.

It usually consists of a flat or curved back cloth on which a scenic painting or photograph is mounted.

“Creating dioramas can sometimes be challenging. For me, the process often depends on my mood while I’m working on a piece.

“When I’m in a good mood, then the work will go on. Next thing you know, it’s already morning.

Diorama miniatures designed and created by Zulkifli. Some of his designs are made from 3D printing and laser-cutting method. Photo: Alverdtekoster Anyap

“However, there are days that I don’t feel right or have no inspiration, it will take some time to work on the diorama.

“Another thing is that you have to be very, very patient especially when the work requires you to be more detailed in the diorama,” said Zul.

One of his most intricate pieces is a diorama of the Kim Yong shop lot building, which was commissioned by the fourth generation of the family who owned it.

The customer requested him to make a diorama miniature of the old shop lot as a family memento.

“In this work, there are a lot of details added to this piece – from the colour of the building, the weathering effects, the plants, the windows and the entrance of the shoplot.

“There were a few times that I needed to go back and forth to the shop lot just to get the details right.

“The family wanted a miniature replica of the shoplot as a keepsake, a reminder of their childhood memories there.

“Before passing it on to a new owner, they wanted something to remember it by.”

For more information or an inquiry, you can follow Kuching Heritage on Facebook and Instagram.

Zulkifli seats alongside his diorama miniature designs. Photo: Alverdtekoster Anyap