Bank Negara Malaysia is organizing “Works on Paper: Art Inside the Wallet” exhibition from Aug 4 until Nov 30 at Sasana Kijang, Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur. Thirty banknotes dating from the 14th to 21st centuries from over 10 countries will be on display in the exhibition.
I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition a few weeks ago. The exhibition is held at the temporary gallery, 2nd Floor, Sasana Kijang. For you who don't know where is Sasana Kijang, you can read my old post; Sasana Kijang location.
Once you walk in the exhibition hall, you will be greeted by Malaysian banknotes art with new governor signature. I am not into art but the Malaysian banknotes art with Datuk Muhammad Ibrahimsignature will surely attract the attention of many collectors and visitors.
The first banknote that you will see in this exhibition is China one Kuan 1368 (Ming Dynasty) displayed in the glass case with information about the banknote placed in front of the note. The one Kuan bankote is among the world's earliest surviving paper money. Banknote on display is an original banknote, it is estimated to worth around RM80,000-RM120,000. On the wall, you can see some information about the earliest printed banknote and information about prototype banknote.
The next section is showing visitor how the old China one Kuan 1368 banknote also have banknote security. Security is as much a concern in the 21st century as it was when the Ming dynasty banknote was created six centuries ago. When place under a UV light, the Ming dynasty banknote will show a warning written in Chinese, meaning "counterfeiters will be beheaded". Other security features included official seals, although the death penalty was a more effective detterent.
In the same room, you can see the current Malaysia RM50 banknote showing under a UV light. You can also check your own RM50 banknote by placing them near the UV light on display. You can see some elements that only visible under UV light for original RM50 banknote.
An old banknote printing machine used during the Japanese occupation era and plates for printing of Japanese Invasion Money (JIM banknotes) displayed in the middle of the next room. As is well known, JIM banknotes are banknotes which have the lowest security features compare to other banknotes during that time. Looking at the Printing Machine is enough to explain why JIM banknotes have low security features.
On the wall, they are explanation about some of the security features used for Malaysia banknotes. In my opinion, BNM should promote security features for current Malaysia banknotes in this section/room. Many non-collectors don't know anything about their banknote security features. Picture for old Malaysia banknotes give an idea that the security features are only for the old Malaysia banknotes.
Original signature plates for Tun Ismail Mohd Ali banknotes, Agong watermark, printing plates for Japanese Invasion of Malaya banknotes and printing plate for Malaysia banknote are also on displayed in the same room.
The Money Maze await you in the next room, thirty banknotes painted on wall that look like a maze makes it an interesting place for selfie lovers. Thirty real banknotes used in this exhibition are also displayed in the same section.
In the next room, you can find a Design Studio. They're no explanation what is the studio is all about but since it is a banknote art exhibition, I assume the studio is for BNM personel who design Malaysia banknotes. It will be great if real human (designer) is in the design studio. They're no information displayed in the studio when is "anyone" will be doing any demonstration etc.
Uncut banknotes and banknotes which has been shred are also on display in this exhibition to show the life cycle of Malaysia Banknotes.
In the end of the “Works on Paper: Art Inside the Wallet” exhibition, Bank Negara Malaysia's Automated Cash Centre (ACC) Project screened for public viewing.
The Works on Paper: Art Inside the Wallet exhibition will be held at:
Temporary Gallery, 2nd Floor
BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
Sasana Kijang, 2 Jalan Dato’ Onn,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday / 10am - 6pm
