Muhammad Luqman can produce about seven large vases a month. — Photos: Bernama
Father, son from Kuala Kangsar reveal challenges in crafting field
While many of his peers choose to remain unemployed or join the gig economy because of limited options that match their qualifications or interests, Muhammad Luqman NulHakim Mohd Sa’ya is staking his future on ceramic craftsmanship.
Recognising that he lacked other skills, the 29-year-old decided to focus on creating ceramic products, following in the footsteps of his father Mohd Sa’ya Mat Jahari, who has been in the industry for over three decades.
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“I chose this field because I felt I had no other options.
“So, in the beginning, I wasn’t particularly passionate about this art,” he told Bernama.
Of earth and fire: Muhammad Luqman NulHakim Mohd Sa’ya (right) and his father Mohd Sa’ya Mat Jahar inspecting some clay products at the Perak branch of Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia. — Bernama
However, Muhammad Luqman from Kuala Kangsar in Perak, said his perspective changed during his studies in ceramic craft at National Craft Institute (IKN) in Rawang, Selangor.
“There, we were taught to produce handmade ceramic products.
“When I saw the craft that resulted from my own hands, how I shaped a lump of clay into a vase, a sense of pride emerged,” he said.
He explained that this item was his first handmade ceramic product, as he previously used moulds which was easier and did not require as much skill.
Kneading clay by hand
Muhammad Luqman said that after completing his diploma in 2019, he never looked back.
As the eldest of three siblings, he joined his father’s ceramic business Ayas Seramik in his hometown.
“To improve my skills in this field, I learned from my father and others who had been practising this art for many years,” he said.
Without witnessing the process of crafting ceramic items such as vases or other containers, including labu sayong (a traditional water pitcher originating from Sayong near Kuala Kangsar), one might assume it is not difficult to produce.
In reality, however, it is quite the opposite, as creating these handmade items requires both skill and meticulous attention to detail.
A vessel being crafted from clay.
Sharing insights into ceramic crafting, Muhammad Luqman said some products such as small vases and table lamps were made using moulds.
However, for larger pieces, he relies entirely on hand-crafting.
“The amount of clay used depends on the size of the final product.
“For a medium-sized vase, I need 10kg of clay – 5kg for the base and the rest for extensions.
“For larger vases, we use two techniques: throwing and pinching,” he explained.
(Throwing involves shaping the clay upwards while pressing it, whereas pinching shapes the clay by squeezing it.)
“First, we knead the clay for the base.
“The kneaded clay is placed on a rotating potter’s wheel, where we shape it into the base.
Some of the materials and equipment needed to make ceramics.
“We use a centring technique by creating a hole in the centre of the clay with our fingers and then gradually widening it to about 20cm.
“Next, using the throwing technique, we raise the walls of the base,” he said, adding that throughout this process, both clay and hands needed to be moistened frequently.
“After completing the base, we knead the clay for the extensions,” said Muhammad Luqman.
“The clay is shaped into long strips resembling keropok lekor (a type of traditional fish cracker) and then coiled onto the base.
“Using the pinching method, we attach the coiled clay to the base and then, with the throwing technique, we raise the walls or sides further,” he explained.
This process is repeated until the vase is fully formed.
The vase is then dried at room temperature, which takes about five to seven hours depending on the weather, followed by firing in a kiln for five to eight hours.
Great potential
Muhammad Luqman said for a vase about 1m tall, he uses 70kg of clay and it takes four days to complete, while a 0.6m vase would take about two days.
In a month, he can produce approximately seven large vases, earning between RM7,000 and RM9,000.
“Prices range from RM200 to RM1,500 depending on size, shape and decoration.
“So far, the response has been very good.
“Most of my customers are art studio owners, colleges, universities, entrepreneurs, local residents and those from outside Perak,” he said, adding that he also offered lorry rental services for orders from other areas.
Muhammad Luqman (right) and his father Mohd Sa’ya at Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia in Kuala Kangsar. The father-son pair are keeping alive the art of handcrafted ceramics.
Muhammad Luqman believes the field has immense potential, as the demand for ceramic craft does not only come from the domestic market.
“In fact, these products can go far because Malaysian ceramics have a unique charm, particularly in terms of their intricate decorations and traditional value.
“It is part of our country’s cultural heritage.
“For example, the world recognises the uniquely classic and distinctive shape of labu sayong,” he said.
Emotions and challenges
However, Muhammad Luqman acknowledges that the ceramic-making industry has its own set of challenges.
“The main challenges in producing ceramic products are weather, condition of the clay and, most importantly, the mood of the craftsman.
“Emotions need to be stable; otherwise, the product won’t turn out as intended.
“Ceramic crafting truly requires high level of patience,” he said.
Muhammad Luqman said that to ensure the final product was in good condition, the craftsman must ensure there were no air pockets in the clay.
“There are two methods to detect air pockets.
Ceramic arts, Muhammad Luqman says, requires a high level of patience, while challenges include the vagaries of weather and mood of the craftsman.
“The first is during the kneading process, where one can cut slices of the kneaded clay to check for air bubbles.
“The second is during the throwing technique – air bubbles may appear inside the product.
“If there is air trapped in the product, small explosions can occur in those areas during the firing process, which will damage the vase.”
When asked about his sense of fulfilment in the ceramic business, Muhammad Luqman said the sweetest moments came from showcasing the results of his hard work and ideas to the public.
In the case of his large, handcrafted vases, he said: “Many people assume that large items or products like these are made using machines or moulds, but they are actually created manually.
“It’s even more satisfying to see my work ‘travel’ to various places,” he said.
Nevertheless, Muhammad Luqman is not resting on his laurels.
He aims to continue learning to ensure the quality of his handmade creations is preserved.
Need for successors
Meanwhile, Mohd Sa’ya emphasised the importance of having successors in the ceramic industry to ensure this cultural heritage is preserved and remains relevant through time.
He admitted that younger generations, including his other two children, were not interested in the field.
“It’s quite challenging to find young successors.
“I invited several nephews to come and learn ceramic-making, but they couldn’t do it because they didn’t enjoy it.
“When I was studying in 1988, there were 26 of us in this field, but now, only three remain.
“That is why I stress the importance of passion when entering the ceramic-making industry.
“The main challenge is that your heart and soul must align with this craft. If it’s just about earning money, you won’t get far,” he said.
When asked about features of the craft that attract buyers, he explained that in addition to quality, surface decorations played a role.
“Among popular motifs are intricate lace-like patterns, with each engraving done by hand.
“Every product must meet the customer’s preference – it cannot be made carelessly.
“We need to be skilled at understanding customer demands and the products must keep up with modern trends,” he said.
In over 30 years of being in the ceramic business, Ayas Seramik’s products have received orders from both domestic and international markets, including Saudi Arabia and Canada.
