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Ridzuan skilfully formed the motives
by incising the surface as required. The
motives and patterns formed were done
freely and spontaneously and are either
organic or geometric, and pebbles were
also used to smoothen the surfaces.
When I asked him if it was hard work,
he simply smiled and said that he was
used to it. He did give a sigh, however,
when he told me of his worries of the
younger generation’s lack of interest in
carrying on this art tradition. The finished
Labu Sayong
was then left to dry in the
sun to ensure even pre-drying for a day,
before baking in a kiln to a sufficiently
high temperature of up to 975ºc for eight
hours. When this was done, the piece was
removed from the kiln andwhile it was still
red hot, placed in a pile of rice husk until
it turned into rich black colour – a process
that was almost like magic.
I was awestruck not just by the end
result of a beautiful piece of pottery, but
by Pak Ridzuan’s devotion to his creations.
Despite his constant jokes referenced at
the famous 90’s movie,
Ghost
, it wasn’t
hard to see seriousness and passion for
this traditional art. When he was at work,
it was almost like he became one with
the clay in his hands. It was definitely
his diligence, energy, perseverance and
focus that makes the craft so unique and
precious over and above its aesthetic
values. Like him, I sincerely hoped that
this art would be one to last for generations
to come.
Amazing Sights
Masjid Ubudiah
Known as one of the most beautiful
mosques in Malaysia, this mosque
stands proudly and majestically in
Kuala Kangsar with its gold golden
dome and minarets, casting a spell-
binding sight from near and afar. The
mosque was built in 1917 during the
reignof the28thSultanof Perak, and
it was designed by Arthur Benison
Hubback, a government architect
who i s notably
credited for the
design of the Ipoh
railway station and
the Kuala Lumpur
railway station.
Istana Iskandariah
The official residence of the Sultan of
Peraksince itscompletion in1933, this
palace is a magnificent architectural
wonderwhich isfamousfor itspointed
archesandonion-shapeddomes.The
imposing complex is sited at Bukit
Chandan (formerly Cangkat Negara)
and has a typically Moorish design,
based on the famous North Indian
Mogul Muslimpalaces.
Perak Royal Museum
Also known as Istana Kenangan, this
former palace is a charming wooden
yellow and black painted building
that was built around the same time
as the current royal palace, Istana
Iskandariah. After the calamity of
the Big Flood of 1926, when the
original palace, Istana Sri Sayong,
was almost swept away, a decision
was made to build a new palace on
higher ground. Istana Kenangan was
built as a temporary mausoleum for
the late Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan
Iskandar Shah (MarhumKadasallah),
while awaiting the completion of the
Istana Iskandariah. Today, it houses
the royal museumwith a fewexhibits
on the royal family.
Labu Sayung with an intricate
flower design
Labu Sayung is most
commonly used for home
decoration these days