09-07-2025
Legacy of clay shaping spins on
Ramadas's factory produces between 3,000 and 4,000 small items per month. — Photos: Bernama
Master potter's traditional techniques, tools draw tourists to Kuala Selangor
TUCKED behind a row of old shophouses along Jalan Ara in Kuala Selangor, Selangor, is a workshop that has preserved the art of traditional clay-making.
It 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 Vengadasalam, 74, still shapes clay using the 'throwing wheel' technique inherited from his father to make claypots, rice cookers and water jars.
'We do use modern pottery machines at the factory, but at this shop, I maintain the traditional methods,' said the owner of Ramadas Pottery Factory.
'Tourists enjoy watching the old techniques and many want to try making the pottery themselves,' he told Bernama during Tourism Malaysia's Star Healing 2025 programme at his premises.
Ramadas, who began pottery-making in 1976, said there was demand for claypots, as people were aware of their benefits over modern cookware.
'These claypots are cleaner and safer to use,' he said.
'When Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (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.'
According to him, pottery items last up to a year with regular use and even longer as decorative pieces.
Ramadas's factory produces between 3,000 and 4,000 small items per month. — Photos: Bernama
Recognised in 2012 as a Master Craftsperson (Adiguru) in Pottery Craft by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (MHDC), Ramadas has not just relied on his father's legacy.
He continued building his skills through courses locally and abroad, including in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, China and at the Malaysian Institute of Art.
'I didn't want my knowledge to stagnate with only what my father taught me,' he said.
'That's why I sought new knowledge to improve my techniques and styles so they evolve with the times.'
His dedication paid off in 2000 when he opened a factory with a RM2,000 grant from then Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib.
'At the time, he came as a tourist and watched me make pottery the traditional way.
'After 20 minutes, he immediately offered me assistance.'
Today, his factory produces between 3,000 and 4,000 small items per month, with larger pieces reaching a similar volume.
He uses about one tonne of clay monthly and continues to run pottery classes at his workshop.
'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.
According to Ramadas, the classes attract not only local tourists, but also participants from the United States, Russia and Italy.
For those interested in experiencing the craft, appointments can be made for a two-hour session where Ramadas will guide participants in making two basic pottery items.
