Creatures of Near Kingdoms

Zedeck Siew
Sharon Chin (Illustration)
Paperback, 168 pages
9789671539842

This work is an illustrated bestiary of 75 animals and plants native to Southeast Asia. Conceived by Zedeck Siew, each creature is described in short, single-page prose pieces, reminiscent of naturalist’s entries or notes in kitabs of animal lore. Illustrated by Sharon Chin, the book’s animals are depicted in linocut-print illustrations; while its plants are rendered in fabric pattern designs.

Creatures of Near Kingdoms is informed by local folklore, scientific fact about indigenous species, and imaginative fancy inspired by life in Malaysia. Its art draws from Southeast Asian forms: traditional (batik, wayang, printmaking) and modern (national logos, sundry packaging) alike.