Lim applying finishing touches on a diorama of Old Place barbershop, located in Kampung Jawa, Melaka (All photos:Lim Pui Wan)
Whether acquired as an ornament or accessory, a toy, symbol of luxury or companion in the afterlife, miniatures were used to demonstrate the intricate layers of civilisations.
In ancient Egypt, figurines played a paramount role in burial practices where various characters would be placed on-site or in tombs to accompany the deceased in their journey to the afterworld. Indirectly, these artefacts underscored the artistry and workmanship the society had come to be known for, as they highlighted the exceptional skills of artisans who masterfully created each part, from clothing and accessories to hairstyles and facial expressions, with intricate detail and elaborate features. Similarly, various Chinese dynasties had incorporated these tiny objects into their culture and social customs.
Meanwhile, in 17th-century England, baby houses were commissioned by the upper class to teach young girls about household management — craftsmen would make realistic replicas of a building complete with furnished interiors — implying the importance of these scaled-down items in educating and nurturing a generation.
It is this strong association between miniature art and culture that pulls Kuala Lumpur-born
Lim Pui Wan, 32, to devote herself to the craft she discovered at the age of 14. “I found out about it through a book my sister bought. She was a collector herself and used to purchase many of her pieces from a shop in Sungei Wang. Her first collection was a bakery shelf filled with all kinds of tiny cakes!
kitchen1.jpg
“Since I was still in school and couldn’t afford to buy them, I decided to make my own. I saved up from a part-time job, bought tools and materials and started crafting miniature food using clay.” Following instructions from the kit, she forged a minuscule lollipop. “It was simple, but it sparked my curiosity and passion for miniatures.”
As a child, she would play with Barbie dolls, putting together a home for them using products found around the house. “I used a biscuit tin as a bed, with a handkerchief as the blanket, a mahjong table drawer as a wardrobe, and tiny clothes hangers that came with new socks.”
Before starting her journey as a professional miniaturist in 2017 under the moniker PicoWorm —
a portmanteau of the words “pico” (a tiny metric unit) and “worm” from bookworm — Lim had participated in dollhouse competitions locally and abroad. She entered a contest held at the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan — the first institution to accumulate miniatures in Asia — in 2015 and bagged a special prize for her first work. “It was a turning point that made me certain I wanted to pursue miniatures,” she says.
This self-taught artist relied on real-life observations, forums, books and blogs of Japanese miniaturists (when YouTube tutorials were not as accessible back in the day) to improve and refine her skills. Her degree in mechanical engineering also taught her to generate structural drawings using software, which helps when planning her framework.
Ultimately, being hands-on is the way to learn the art, she divulges. From a simple object to a complex scene or diorama, each new piece presents an opportunity to learn about different techniques she is unfamiliar with.
barbershop1.jpg
Lim’s workflow typically begins with research and sketches, which she finds can be tedious. “Depending on the theme, collecting information can be exciting or challenging. If it’s a commissioned piece, I gather references and sometimes study old photos. I sketch out the structure and details using SketchUp and decide on the scale.”
Getting the size and ratio right from the beginning is crucial to ensuring a smooth process later. Then, she builds the structure before adding textures, paint and final touches such as weathering effects. Essential equipment that can be found in her studio include tweezers, cutting blades, sculpting tools, brushes as well as materials such as clay, wood, form boards, plastic and resin.
Miniatures allow her to delve into culture and heritage, and reconnect with everyday moments we often overlook. “I love creating realistic miniatures with nostalgic and cultural elements. Many of my pieces are inspired by daily life, particularly scenes from my childhood and traditional shops and trades that are slowly disappearing because of modernisation.”
While Lim has produced many remarkable projects — she collaborated with Scotch whisky distillery The Balvenie, OldTown White Coffee and Takashimaya Department Store Singapore, and was even featured on Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds’ Snapchat series called Ryan Doesn’t Know, among others — the one she is especially proud of is a diorama created during the pandemic that put a spotlight on local artisans.
“It was a tribute to Mr Voon, a scissor sharpener, whose skills used to be in demand by tailors and barbers. But as the market dwindled, Mr Voon’s shop in Lorong Panggung, KL, was demolished in 2018. I was fortunate to meet him and document his story through my art. I recreated his workspace in miniature, preserving the details of his tools and environment. It became a documentary of a conversation between my work and the craftsman himself.”
scissor_sharpener1.jpg
Like many other creative individuals, Lim unlocks inspiration by going around historic and mature towns, taking pictures of scenes and stuff that feel nostalgic to her. During a recent excursion with a friend to Kampar and Ipoh, she was introduced to a traditional shop that makes and sells bamboo furniture, mostly chairs.
“On the same trip, I went to see a sifu who makes lion heads for the traditional dance using bamboo.
I also love visiting Melaka. A friend there acts as my local guide, bringing me around to meet traditional craftsmen. A few years ago, we went to a shop run by an uncle who specialises in repairing and crafting Peranakan furniture, all handmade with incredible detail. Watching him work was truly inspiring!”
The exchange of stories between Lim and small business owners or artisans she encounters is something she treasures, as they not only provide invaluable insights that come in handy when she designs her work but also offer knowledge she cannot obtain elsewhere.
“I simply love creating miniatures. Whether it’s work or not, miniatures are an inseparable part of my life. The process of creating, learning and bringing these tiny worlds to life is deeply meaningful to me.
“The most rewarding part is seeing people’s reactions — nostalgia, admiration or curiosity — when they notice all the tiny details in my work. I’ve seen kids curiously exploring every element, adults reminiscing about shared childhood memories and clients receiving heartfelt gifts of miniature recreations.”
lorong_panggung_2.jpg
What advice would she give aspiring miniature artists?
“Be patient and keep experimenting! Miniature art takes time, but every mistake is an opportunity to learn — that’s why I never get bored with it. The excitement comes from discovering new techniques and pushing creative boundaries. Don’t be afraid to try something different and, most importantly, enjoy the process.
“Small things can make a big impact, and by valuing the little details in life, we find joy in the simplest moments,” Lim says.
This article first appeared on March 3, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
