Stepping into the belly of dragon : Pottery workshop in Singapore

Tucked away behind a small green oasis lies a long majestic dragon that still breathes fire. Singapore’s oldest and last functioning dragon kiln. We spent a morning entering the belly of the dragon as well as having a go at wheel throwing.

Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle has been owned by the same family since the 1960’s and is now part of Singapore’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Mr Tan purchased the kiln after he moved to Singapore from China; as stated on their website. Mr Tan was born in a village which specialised in porcelain. The knowledge and traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. Currently, the 3rd generation, Stella Tan, is introducing the traditions of the last working dragon kiln in Singapore to the younger generation.  

Disappearing legacies, traditions & crafts

As we progress in a modern electronic, fast-paced world, many old traditions or crafts have died out or are in danger of being forgotten. But there are a few leaders who still keep these crafts and traditions alive, like here at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. They do so by introducing it to the public and having them take part in the craft. So not only learning a new skill but setting forth the old traditions and keeping them alive. It brings to light an understanding and appreciation for the time and skill that has gone into producing unique pieces.

Also see > Indigo dye workshop – dyeing your own ‘masterpiece’ at With Autumn

 

---

Revitalising the craft –Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle 

Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle offer various pottery workshop options here in Singapore. For those who are curious and maybe only want to try it first, you can do a one-time workshop, or if you wish to master the skill, look at their long term courses. They also host private classes, for events and schools.

If you are curious to learn more about the kiln, they offer a dragon kiln tour after which you can browse through the shop, which sells beautiful ceramic ware, pot plants and a beautiful array of Peranakan pottery. If you part take in a workshop you can also explore the inside of the kiln, well if it is not being fired of course.

Finally, a workshop, which would probably be my favourite if my little pup was with me – a paw stamping workshop, where you can personalise your own doggies water bowl with its paw print in the middle. 

Getting our hands dirty

We opted for a once-off workshop and tried our hand at both hand building and the potter’s wheel. We arrived a bit early hoping we could explore the kiln and so we did. Rather incredible being able to walk inside the kiln. By the way I am tall, and I could stand up straight. After exploring we were given our clay and tools for the day.

 First up, hand building, something I used to do in art at school, it was fun being transported back to those long forgotten memories. I attempted a milk jug, let’s hope the spout will work and not drip too much. They had colour liquid clay, as I call it, to paint our pieces, so they are not glazed.

After some time we were invited to gather at the potter wheel for a demonstration. If you are familiar with the movie ghost well, the potter’s wheel should look familiar to you. After the demo we tried it ourselves. Now I have to confess, I have tried it once, only once years ago, but was surprised at how quickly mine shaped. I literally just started, got it centred, thumbs down, pulled up and out and bam done? Wa, what happened? Beginners luck maybe. 

You can see the difference between mine and my husbands, I have thin long hands. 

A few weeks later and we collected our ‘master pieces’, well, luckily my jug does not drip to much.

Also see > Learn Peranakan beading with Straits Enclave      

---

Dragon kilns in Singapore – History

Singapore used to have a bustling pottery industry, with about 20 dragon kilns producing pottery ware for the local market. But over time electrical kilns started to replace dragon kilns which were more labour-intensive. Seeing multiple shifts working to stoke the fire over a few days and in such also being resource-heavy. Currently there are only two dragon kilns remaining. The first is the family owned Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle which is still in operation and the other a short distance away across the Jurong Eco garden, Jalan Bahar Clay Studios.

The kilns have shifted their focus from mass production to education and artisanal production with pottery workshop for all here in Singapore to learn and appreciate the legendary craft.

Some interesting facts about dragon kilns

• A dragon kiln is brick- built cylindrical structure which is built up against a slope to aid in the updraft when firing the kiln. 
• This fire breathing cylindrical structure resembles a dragon breathing fire from the front, hence the name.
• It is massive, and being about 27m long, can fit up to 4000 pieces in it at any one time.
• The shape of the kiln causes the front to be hotter thus making the final glaze slightly unpredictable.
• The process of firing the kiln is labour- intensive and can take up to 6 days from start to cooling.

---

Their details

85 Lor Tawas, Singapore 639823

https://www.potteryjungle.com

---

This was a fun and educational morning pottery workshop, to an area of Singapore we are not familiar with, an area that felt like the country side. Remember to stop by the shop, I could not resist adding to my Peranakan collection. Enjoy!

 

xxx

*Opinions expressed here are my own.