One artisan who crafts these traditional water pitchers made from clay is Ridzuan Hamli, 58, a third generation labu sayong potter who owns a business called Win Kraf.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Ridzuan said he learnt the craft from his parents who sold labu sayong out of their home.
So, after completing his SPM examinations, he worked with them before venturing out on his own with Win Kraf. The name “Win”, he added, is what his fellow villagers call him.
Despite being a talented potter, he wanted to hone his skills further, travelling to Japan where he spent a year learning new techniques in pottery.
He explained that to make a labu sayong, the clay, which he buys from Kampung Kepala Bendang, must first be processed into a paste.
“It is believed that the art of making labu sayong originated here. This is where I come from. The clay from this place is very suitable to make labu sayong as it doesn’t crack when it is fired.”
When it comes to shaping the clay, there are three techniques: pinching with his fingers, using a potter’s wheel, or using a mould. Then, he trims each labu sayong to define its shape before colouring and designing it.
Once he’s happy with the design, the labu sayong is dried under the sun before being baked in a gas kiln. “I place it in the kiln for about eight hours at a temperature of 975°C,” he said.
Ridzuan’s beautifully crafted labu sayong can be used as home-décor or night lights. One can also store water in them. His wife, Sudiawati Wajib and their eldest child, Muhammad Shahril Izuan Ridzuan are his constant helpers.
And for Ridzuan, seeing his son continue their family legacy is something he is truly proud about.
Shahril told FMT Lifestyle: “I was about 12 years old when my father taught me the craft. I really enjoy the process.”
The 22-year-old is also on a mission to showcase the beauty of this traditional craft to others. And he has found an innovative way to do it: via TikTok where he uploads videos about the process of making labu sayong and the various other products that they sell.
Shahril, who also handles the marketing aspect of the business, has learned that TikTok is an effective tool to widen their reach.
At the same time, he also appreciates the support of Persatuan Pembangunan Artisans (PPA), an NGO that helps local artisans to market their products through its online platform, physical outlets and pop-up events.
“I am grateful for their assistance as they have increased our marketing channels so that more people outside Kuala Kangsar know about labu sayong,” said Sharil.
He added that for those living outside Kuala Kangsar, their handicrafts can be purchased in PPA’s outlet in Berjaya Times Square, Krishnan Pottery in Kuala Selangor and The Lemuni in Janda Baik.
They also organise classes at their shop in Kuala Kangsar so visitors can try their hand at pottery. In doing so, they hope to keep the craft alive.
So, the next time you hold a labu sayong in your hands, remember that it doesn’t just reflect the creativity and patience of its artisan, it also represents a skill that has been passed down from one generation to another.
Win Kraf
No 11, Kampung Sayong Tengah, Sayong
33040, Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Business hours: 9am–6.30pm Daily
Contact: 012-561 5524 (Wati) / 012-561 5581 (Win)
Follow Win Kraf on Facebook and Instagram. Follow Muhammad Shahril Izuan Ridzuan on TikTok.
Read more PPA stories and get to know its artisans here.