The history of pottery in Sarawak can be traced back to the mid-nineteenth century in Kuching - or more specifically at Tanah Puteh, a clay bed next to the Sarawak River.
Several miles downstream from the main town of Kuching – this is the place where immigrant Chinese artisans from Southern China arrived in Sarawak escape the harshness in China.
The early settlers, mainly the Teochew, introduced the art of pottery-making in Sarawak. Even up to today, Sarawak's potters are nearly all Teochew, descendent of these early pioneers. They set up commercial operations, a small cottage industry, producing a limited volume of pit-fired pots for domestic use that caters for the local market.
The first Teochew potters in Sarawak started out as a necessity to produce utility ware such as water jars and cooking pots and served as storage and brewing.
Over the years, they added more items including smaller water jugs, cooking pots, flower pots and etc. This industry prospers until the 1950s where unbreakable aluminium pots and plastic containers were the cheaper options. The potters then start to innovate and adapt to the changing market. Traditionally, the pots were left unglazed or glazed with light brown colour with burnt paddy husk. In the late 60s, the potter starts painting the pots and adding strokes of colours and some Chinese-inspired designs. Immediately, the pots became a hit amongst the gardeners and creating another market of potential buyers.
Today, the range of pottery has evolved into various products like ceramic stools, decorative vases, lamps, candle holders, flower pots, ashtrays, teapots, mugs, photo frames and whatever new skilled potters can create.
Pottery made in Sarawak is divided into two distinct types: the ones created by potters from the Iban, Murut and Kelabit communities, and those by Chinese potters.
The significant reason for the rising popularity of Sarawak pottery is basically due to its traditional designs. Both Chinese and native design themes are used in creating a unique and colourful Sarawak-style pottery.
Traditional Iban and Orang Ulu motif designs, with representations of dogs, hornbills, flowers and plants, hunters and native women in a local setting, are trendy. These are designed by expertly cutting out the surface of the pot when it is still damp, and then later painted in various colours.
Clay is the fundamental element in pottery-making. A skilled potter will sculpt a lump of clay with his fingers on a pottery wheel. Designs will be carved out on the surface and painted during this time. Once done, the pot will be removed from the wheel and placed on a plank of wood to dry, either under the sun or indoors.
A concoction of calcium carbonate, wood ash and alluvial sea clay is used to glaze the pot while natural or mineral powder is mixed with water is used to avoid fading and cracks after firing. The pot, once it is bone dry, will then be baked in a kiln for approximately 72 hours.
Dragon Kiln Image source via Ceramic School Singapore
Until recently, Sarawak's potters used the traditional wood-fired tunnel kilns, or rather known as the "dragon kiln". The dragon kiln was built by their forefathers when they arrived in Sarawak. The kilns were approximately 25 metres long and could accommodate up to 1,000 pots! The process is long and tedious as the kilns do not produce a uniform heat and the firing took 36-48 hours, and after that, the kiln was left to cool for a full day before it can be opened up and unload.
Currently, most of the potters are using the gas-fired kilns instead mainly for two reasons. The modern gas-fired kilns offered exact temperature control and also government policy's to reduced smoke emission where possible,
The pottery industry in Kuching nowadays can be found clustered together on the 8th Mile of Penrissen Road.
Potteries are separated into two areas: namely, the showroom and a factory section behind it. The gallery displays a wide array of pottery wares ranging from small souvenir items to large pots and jars. Visitors are welcome to take a peek at the factory area and watch skilled potters and creative artists at work.
Small Sarawak Traditional Motive vase - perfect as souvenirs Image source via rollinggrace.com
The price range can go from RM2 to almost RM1,000, depending on the product and its craftsmanship. Medium-sized pots or vases with Sarawak native designs are the most popular, and all potteries provide packing services to ensure the items purchased are easy to transport.
Currently, attractive souvenir items are also produced, ideal for tourists and visitors. Even the locals use Sarawak pottery as gifts during official functions and special occasions.
