Pottery in Penang: A Folk Art with a Future

By Lim Sok Swan

July 2021 FEATURE
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Ooi arranges the clay objects in the wood-fired kiln at Artopia, Balik Pulau.
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TO MAKE POTTERY, one must understand the nature of Earth, of clay, more fundamentally. It starts with sourcing the right body from five main clay types: earthenware, stoneware, ball, fire and kaolin. Several criteria guide this selection; these include the making process, the size and form of work, and the kiln type and its temperature limits.1The clay body you find locally is relatively rough and cracks easily; it has to be combined with other clay types for the shape to...

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Lim Sok Swan

is currently focusing on heritage studies. She believes that more understanding among different groups and cultures can make Malaysia a better home for all.


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