Faces Behind The Makers Discovering Singapore's Heritage Trades
by Elena Boyce by this place. This is the longest existing dragon kiln in Singapore and it has been left in its original state with no modifications. It is the longest of the two remaining dragon kilns in Singapore. Also, the bricks used are all made in Singapore. I am very proud and grateful to our ancestors who built the kiln. I enjoyed a cup of tea in a beautiful tea room you created. How did you create the tea room? I’ve been learning the Japanese tea ceremony for the past year, and I’ve especially enjoyed its peace and mindfulness. In collaboration with Hafig from Focus Ceramics, I created an upcycled tea room using woods and nails from the crates that ship the clay material. I added a zen garden, made the table and chairs and painted the hanging scroll. Other potters brought their pots and sculptures and planted some plants around the tea room to decorate the place. What does Singapore’s heritage mean to you?
Alvin Ng
Firing the Dragon - Guan Huat Dragon Kiln The dragon kiln adds a touch of magic and drama to the art of pottery. The dragon or climbing kiln, is shaped to resemble a dragon, and is a traditional kiln whose design originated in Southern China around 2000 years ago. When ceramics are ready for firing, the kiln is heated and comes to life. It makes roaring and hissing sounds, fire comes out of its nostrils and smoke comes out through the chimney at its tail.
For me, Singaporean heritage shapes my values, personality, and goals. Importantly, our cultural heritage connects the past with the present and the future. It means contemplating, understanding and practicing the customs (such as wood-firing) and achievements of our ancestors and passing them on to the younger generation. Honoring our heritage means making a little bit of the past perpetually present today and in the future. How does pottery feature in Singapore’s heritage? In the past, pottery was a livelihood. Our ancestors used these traditional techniques to provide for their families
In the early 1900s, Chinese immigrants established around 20 wood-fired dragon kilns in Singapore. Today there are only two dragon kilns left that can transport visitors back to the once-thriving pottery industry in Singapore. The Guan Huat and Thow Kwang kilns are located in Jurong where the soil, known as “Jurong formation” soil, is particularly suited to pottery production. I had the chance to visit with Alvin Ng, a graphic designer and a talented potter, who works at Jalan Bahar Clay Studios (www.jbcssg.com), located at the Guan Huat Dragon Kiln (circa 1958). Alvin, why does working at the Guan Huat Dragon Kiln attract you? The nature of this place really appeals to me. After learning more about its history, I was even more enticed 20
AWA Magazine July/August 2022
Alvin at the Kiln's Shrine
