ICS pottery workshop

A pottery workshop was organised by UTAR Centre for Chinese Studies Research (CCSR), Chinese Arts Research Unit at Xin Fa Pottery, Ipoh on 27 June 2015.

Xin Fa Pottery’s manager, Chin Kam Peng gave a warm welcome to the group comprising ICS Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Lim Chee Men, lecturer Mok Tuck Hau and students.

Chin shared knowledge on pottery such as trends in the pottery industry, the factory’s operations, the production process of pottery, and types of clay used in pottery. The sharing session allowed the visitors to broaden their horizons with a better understanding of the pottery industry in Malaysia.

The students were then shown how bowls and mugs were made using a pottery wheel. In order to successfully make pottery, skills and patience are needed. This was followed by a hand pinching pottery session which the students experienced using the clays to make tea sets, tableware, animal figures, small musical instruments, and artistic figures.

“I am glad to share knowledge on pottery to those interested and willing to learn. This may be just a one-day session but through this, I see the students’ hard work and creativity. I hope they will continue nurturing their interests in pottery,” enthused Chin. He then shared his company’s stance on clay quality, research on ceramic pigments, and control of kiln temperature.

“It’s a delight to see such a workshop sparking our students’ curiosity and creativity. I believe they will reap great benefits from their exploration and inquiry in pottery making,” said Dr Lim. As a lover for culture and art, Dr Lim also joined the students to make his own pottery designed as an ancient bronze wine vessel (爵).

First Year student Lau Yih Teete said, “This is my first time making pottery and I enjoyed it greatly. Chin is a good teacher and we appreciate him sharing his knowledge with us.”

Lau’s friend, Tan Khui Ching concurred, “Having a class in the pottery factory is really a great experience. I would like to thank Dr Lim for making the arrangements for us to have such an interesting workshop outside campus.”

The workshop is one of the activities by CCSR’s Chinese Arts Research Unit aimed to allow students to learn and experience Chinese arts and cultures outside classroom.

Students and their work

Dr Lim with his own handmade pottery, an ancient bronze wine vessel (爵)

Chin demonstrating pottery shaping

Chin sharing knowledge on pottery to the students

Pottery making in progress

Student’s pottery work

UTAR participants and Chin (in pink and white T-shirt)