Pottery is a fascinating craft that takes pride in the deftess of the hand to produce shapes and design that are alluring artform in themselves.
Pottery making has exited in Peninsular Malaysia since ancient times. Today, it is a common cottage industry in several parts of the country. A craft that requires dexterity, pottery is tradisioally associated with the womenfolk. The making process requires the clay to be kneaded, impressed with motifs, processed, smoked and fire to produce artistic and unique shapes.
Of all pottery, labu sayong is the most well-known. Black in colour, they are mainly found in Sayong Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Just the mention of the wood ‘Sayong’ conjures images of enchanting black pottery.
Labu sayong are earthenware containers decorated with foliage motifs which take their shapes after the gourd or ribbed fruit. The are used as receptacle for storing water that has been blessed with incantations, or as part of the paraperalia used in rituals performed during tradisional treatment.
Labu sayong were once used to keep water for the majlis kenduri (feast) as they are known for their capability to keep water cool, believed to prossess the healing power to cure coughs and high fever.
From the shape Labu Sayong, one is able to hell the natural clay characteristics and the specific hand technique used in their making. Their surface is normally decorated with harmonious geometric or floral motifs such as padi flower, bamboo shoots and bunga cengkih (clove).
Labu sayong are still locked upon with awe and interest for their myriad uses and aesthetics.
Sumber : Broshur Kraftangan Malaysia, 1995 ISBN 983-9196-23-5
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, Selasa, April 17, 2012
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