At Ramadas Pottery, art of shaping clay the traditional way lives on

V Ramadas is the owner of Ramadas Pottery, a humble business in Kuala Selangor that consists of a factory and a shop. (Bernama pic)

KUALA SELANGOR: Tucked behind a row of old shophouses on Jalan Ara here is a pottery workshop that has withstood the test of time for three generations.

This is where Ramadas Pottery, owned by V Ramadas, is located. The 74-year-old remains dedicated to shaping clay using the “wheel-throwing” technique inherited from his father and grandfather to make items such as clay pots, rice cookers and water jars.

“We do use modern pottery machines at our factory, but at this shop, I maintain the traditional method. Tourists enjoy watching the old techniques, and many want to try making pottery themselves,” he said at his premises recently.

Ramadas, who started making pottery in 1976, said demand for clay products remains strong as people continue to recognise their advantages over modern cookware.

“Clay pots are cleaner and safer to use. In fact, when Sirim tested them, my pottery was proven to be free from chemicals. That’s why many customers still choose these pots for traditional cooking,” he explained.

Ramadas continues to create clay products using the old-school ‘wheel-throwing’ method. (Bernama pic)

He said used regularly, pottery items last for at least a year, while those that are used for decorative purposes can last much longer.

Recognised as a master craftsperson in pottery craft in 2012, Ramadas didn’t just rely on his father’s legacy – he expanded his skills by attending courses locally and abroad, including in Indonesia, India, Vietnam and China, as well as at the Malaysian Institute of Art.

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

The father of three opened his own factory in 2000 with a starting grant of RM2,000, presented by then Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhd Taib, who had witnessed his skills first-hand.

“He came as a tourist and watched me make pottery the traditional way. After 20 minutes, he offered me assistance,” Ramadas recalled.

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

Visitors both local and foreign flock to Ramadas’s shop, keen on learning the craft of pottery making. (Bernama pic)

Ramadas is also happy to teach those who are interested in learning the craft. Each pottery-making session lasts two hours, giving participants the chance to make two basic items out of clay under his guidance.

He said the classes attract not only local visitors but also those from the US, Russia, and Italy, proving that Malaysia’s traditional arts remain relevant and admired internationally.

“I’m happy when people come not just to buy but to learn. As long as there is interest, I will keep making pottery,” Ramadas concluded.