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ArchitectureCandi Bedang Dalam
The architecture of this candi includes sanctum and front hall. The sanctum is the small square room with an entrance and brick wall. Around the structure shows the trace of circumbulatory path with the pillar hole for the wooden beam supporting the tile roof. In front of the sanctum is the open front hall with the pillar hole for the wooden beam supporting the tile roof, too. Compared to other candi in Java art, this candi is not complicated but it still shows the good evidence of the Indian and Java architecture in the ancient Malay peninsula.
ArchitectureZahir Masjid
Stylistically, Masjid Zahir is the combination between several Islamic schools of architecture. The main dome is of Indian Mughal affiliation being noticeable from the flower on the top of the dome. However, the multi-foils arches and the thin columns are the characters of Moorish influence. The combination of the Mughal and the Moorish influence is the characteristic of Islamic architecture in British colonization period of Malaysian art.
ArchitectureMasjid Kepitan Keling
Masjid Kapitan Kling bears the strong influence from Indian Mughal art. The triple domes with the Ghanta (the flowery motif) on the cap of the central dome, the use of Pishtaq in the center of the body and the Chatri (the small copula) on the top of the minaret are of the examples of Mughal characters in this mosque. British architects were responsible for the popularization of the Mughal style of mosque in Malaysia. As the mosque was firstly built by an Indian, the architect of his mosque attempted to design this mosque to be under the Indian inspiration.
SculptureMinaret: Masjid Kepitan Keling
Masjid Kepitan Keling got the main inspiration from Mughal art of India. There is a possibility that the mosque’s architect try to make the mosque look Indian as much as possible to response with the profile of the first founder who came from India. Thus, the mosque’s minaret shows the influence from Mughal art for example the octagonal shape with terraces. On top is Chhatri, the octagonal pavilion with 8 pillars that support small dome.
ArchitectureMinaret: Masjid Melayu
The minaret of this mosque is outstanding. The structure has a tapering shape with one terrace on top. This shape looks like the lighthouse or tower for navigating. Lighthouse is the British culture that they bring to Malaysia and give the inspiration to the lighthouse shape minaret in Malaysian art. Beside this mosque, Masjid Kampong Hulu in Melaka also uses this style of minaret, too.
ArchitectureMasjid Melayu
Masjid Melayu has been built up in Southeast Asian style. The wooden beams were used to support the tile roof instead of dome. This building has the sloping roof which suits the rainy climate all year round. However, the façade of this building mixes the Spanish Moorish arch, the horseshoe arch. This show the Spanish influence that come in the colonial era with the British architect.
ArchitectureKoo Kongsi Shrine
This clan house has been profusely decorated both interior and exterior. The exterior is decorated with the multi-colored glazed tiles which is the popular mode of architectural decoration in Southern China. The interior is beautified by the wood carvings imported from China. The shrine in the center of the clan house is dedicated to the god of the clan as well as ancestors. In front of the shrine, there is the courtyard and the Chinese opera house. Surround the shrine there are the cloisters of houses belonging to the families of this clan.
ArchitectureCorner motif: Koo Kongsi Shrine
The Khoo Kongsi has the splendid wood carving decoration. The glazed tile which was popular in Southern Chinese art has been used outside. These glazed tiles were cut into small pieces and recreate them or use the ready-made one to make a structure or story.
