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Javanese craftsman smooths way to heaven through intricate 'kim zua' offerings
A Javanese non-Buddhist craftsman is the go-to person for families seeking houses, cars, pets and other worldly items made from joss paper to ensure that their loved ones are happy and prosperous in the great beyond.
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Luxury in miniature: Nursilan stands next to a recently completed offering made from joss paper, or 'kim zua', at his shop in Malang, East Java. Complex pieces like this one, crafted to resemble an opulent Chinese house complete with guards, a safe and other detailed features, can take up to a month to finish. (JP/Yohana Belinda)
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aking offerings shaped like worldly goods from joss paper, or kim zua, is part of the daily routine of Nursilan, a 47-year-old kim zua craftsman at Eng An Kiong Temple in Kotalama, Malang, East Java, where he has been in business since 1993.
With three employees, Nursilan’s work on most days consists of adding ornaments to his paper houses, ensuring that they look as lavish as possible. This involves adding small dolls, household appliances like refrigerators, an airplane or a boat, all made from incense paper. The paper offerings are usually burned during a cremation service and when the spirit of the deceased asks for it.
Many people come to Nursilan, telling him that their deceased relatives visited them in a dream and asked for certain items. Though most of his customers are Buddhist, some are Protestants or Catholics who practice the ritual tradition.
“Believe it or not, a couple of days ago, a client ordered a house because his brother who passed away four years ago came to him in a dream, saying that he did not have a house,” said Rudy, the manager of Eng An Kiong Temple.
Many of Nursilan’s customers place orders after similar communication from their deceased relatives.
"Sometimes, [the deceased] request a refrigerator, a car or a house. After the ceremony, many of my clients said that the deceased came again in a dream to thank them for the offerings,” said Nursilan.
Paper versions of the deceased’s favorite pets were another popular item.
