Clay Craft Lives On At Ramadas Pottery

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

KUALA SELANGOR, July 7 (Bernama) –Tucked behind a row of old shophouses along Jalan Ara here is a pottery workshop that has withstood the test of time for three generations, crafting a range of clay products using time-honoured techniques and tools over 25 years old.

This is where Ramadas Pottery, owned by V. Ramadas, 74, is located. He remains dedicated to shaping clay using the ‘throwing wheel’ technique (a process of shaping clay) inherited from his father to make clay pots, rice cookers, and water jars.

“We do use modern pottery machines at the factory, but at this shop, I maintain the traditional methods. Tourists enjoy watching the old techniques, and many want to try making the pottery themselves,” he said when met during the Star Healing 2025 programme organised by Tourism Malaysia at his premises recently.

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Having started pottery-making in 1976, Ramadas said demand for clay products remains strong as   more people recognise their advantages over modern cookware.

“These clay pots are cleaner and safer to use. In fact, when SIRIM tested them, it was proven that my pottery is free from chemical content. That’s why many customers still choose these pots for traditional cooking,” he explained.

According to him, if used regularly, pottery items can last up to a year, and if used as decoration, they can last much longer.

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Recognised as a Master Craftsperson (Adiguru) in Pottery Craft in 2012, Ramadas didn’t just rely on his father’s legacy. He expanded his skills by attending courses both locally and abroad, including in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, China, and at the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA).

“I didn’t want my knowledge to end with what my father taught me. That’s why I sought out new knowledge to improve my techniques and styles so they evolve with the times,” he said.

His relentless efforts bore fruit when the father of three successfully opened his own factory in 2000 with a starting grant of RM2,000, presented by then Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Muhammad  Muhd Taib, after witnessing his skills firsthand.

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“At the time, he came as a tourist and watched me make pottery the traditional way. After 20 minutes, he immediately offered me assistance,” Ramadas shared.

Today, his factory produces between 3,000 and 4,000 small pottery items per month, while larger pottery products can reach up to 4,000 units monthly for the local market.

“I’m happy when people come not just to buy, but to learn. As long as there is interest, I will keep making pottery,” he said, adding that he uses at least one tonne of clay each month to produce his items.

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For those interested in experiencing the craft, participants need only make an appointment for each session, which lasts two hours and gives them the opportunity to make two basic pottery items from clay, under Ramadas’ own guidance.

He said the classes attract not only local tourists but also participants from the United States, Russia, and Italy, proving that Malaysia’s traditional arts remain relevant and admired internationally.

-- BERNAMA