Malaysian clay potter hopes to keep craft alive by teaching younger generation

It takes years to perfect the skill of making pottery on a spinning wheel, says Ramadas. – Photos: Kraftangan Malaysia

Thick calluses can be seen on V.N. Ramadas Vengdasalam’s fingers, which is not surprising as his job requires him to use his bare hands. However, his passion and dedication makes up for all the hard work involved in his trade.

Ramadas, 70, is among a handful of clay potters in Malaysia, and he is proud to be one.

“These days, the youths aren’t too keen to learn this ancient art because it’s a tough job. It requires strength and stamina, not to mention lots of practice, patience and determination.

“Most of the younger generation are more interested in working in the corporate sector to earn more money,” said Ramadas.

He added that it takes a lot of work to dig the clay and mix it with sand and water to get the right consistency.

“Not everyone wants to get their hands dirty working in this environment. They prefer to work in a comfortable office setting than under the hot sun,” said Ramadas, who has 50 years of pottery experience under his belt.

It takes years to perfect the skill of making pottery on a spinning wheel, says Ramadas.

The septuagenarian was one of the demonstrators at National Craft Day 2022, a week-long craft exhibition organised by Kraftangan Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

The event, which ended March 7, featured 300 homegrown craftspersons specialising in wood, ceramic, weaving and textile.

Ramadas chalked up one of his biggest milestones when he received the title Adiguru Kraf Seramik (master potter craftsman) from Kraftangan Malaysia in 2012.

The prestigious title is bestowed upon people with expert craftsmanship and play an essential role in restoring and preserving heritage crafts.

It’s been a decade since Ramadas clinched the award, but he’s still proud of the recognition.

“I am the only Indian who has received this title. I learned the skill from my father when I was just 20 years old. I’ve been a potter for decades and I still love my job very much. There’s nothing more fulfilling than being recognised as a craftsman,” said Ramadas, as tears welled up in his eyes.

Ramadas’ handmade water pots are some of the most sought-after items among his earthen clay products. Photo: Velavar Pottery

The grandfather of seven is the third generation of a potter family in Kuala Selangor. His ancestors were pottery makers in Trichy, India.

Ramadas is one of the few Malaysian craftspersons adept at pottery-making using a wheel. In this traditional method, a stick is used to spin the wheel, providing speed and motion. Clay is then moulded on the spinning wheel.

It is a specialised skill and Ramadas can create a perfectly symmetrical clay pot measuring about five inches (12.7cm) in height in a few seconds. His pottery skills on the wheel has been shared on TikTok and has received over 25,000 views.

“The secret is to mould the clay in accordance to the speed and direction of the wheel. It takes years to perfect this skill,” shared Ramadas, who underwent a pottery training course at the Malaysian Institute of Art in 1980 to further hone his skills.

The friendly father of three has also been running a small cottage industry at Taman Telaga in Kuala Selangor since 1976. He specialises in earthen clay products such as water pots, cooking pots, oil lamps and tandoori pots.

Unlike stoneware and porcelain products, earthenware pots are unglazed, free of toxic materials or lead, and are 100% eco-friendly.

Balamah has been helping her husband with their pottery business for over four decades.

Instead of firing them in a kiln, Ramadas dries his handcrafted items in the sun for eight hours.

Business is brisk and Ramadas caters to customers of various races from all over Malaysia.

His wife, Balamah Rengasamy, 70, his only son Velavar, 43, and daughter-in-law Sangitha Maniam, 40, help him to fulfil orders.

In a day, they can produce 200 cooking pots and 400 oil lamps.

“I’m proud that Velavar, my daughter-in-law and wife are helping me with the business. I wouldn’t be able to complete my orders without their assistance.

“Velavar has been helping me with the business since he was a teenager. It seemed only natural for him to run the family business after his Form Five. It is my dream to continue our family business for generations,” said Ramadas, who sells his handcrafted items for between 50 cents and RM1,000 each.

At the side of his factory, Ramadas has also established a gallery where he offers clay-making courses to university students and tourists.

He hopes to introduce pottery to more craft enthusiasts once the Covid-19 situation improves.“I am more than happy to teach the art of pottery-making to the younger generation and people with an interest in this traditional craft.

“Hopefully, more of the younger generation will step forward to be my apprentice.”