5 Indonesia Based Ceramic Artists for Your Next Pottery Wishlist
We first bought ceramic back in 2018. It was simply for utilitarian purposes at first; we needed bowls and why not just got pretty looking ones and hopefully lasted us a long time. It was with no plan (or maybe rather poorly managed plan) that what began with two humble bowls we grew the “collection” to beyond at least 150+ pieces just within 2 years. As the pandemic occurred, we practically stayed at home, we cooked more and tried different recipes we never made before and documented them on one dedicated instagram account - @fatfromhome - which turned out to be an excellent excuse to get more tablewares while supporting local business during hard times.
There is something strangely charming about handmade pottery that the more imperfect and irregular it is the more special it becomes. The little cracks, that small lumps, dripping glazes, or those irregular ridges making each item a one-of-a-kind art piece. That’s exactly what we love about pottery, and honestly we were hooked immediately. Our collection of tablewares are filled mainly with Indonesian based ceramics produced by local ceramicists. There is no particular style we opt for, but we always prefer to go directly to store if possible, just to see and feel it the pieces ourselves. The thrill is different and exhilarating. That is why there are many window shopping trips turned out a massive shopping spree:D
When there is a chance, we also really like to build dialogue with the ceramicists — get to know them a little better and get a sense of their inspiration for making the pieces. Behind every art product there is always a really interesting story of “why” and its fun trying to understand the deliberate design choices they put into the pieces.
There are ample ceramic artists in Indonesia, but here are 5 ceramicist we have repeatedly purchased from over the years. They are so distinct from one another; the approach to design, colour scheme, technique, and story behind every piece created. Hopefully next time when you book a flight to Jakarta or Bali, Indonesia, you could make the time and stop by to one of these ceramic artists’ showroom.
Adinegara Ceramic
As we started buying more ceramics, we continue looking for new ceramic artists, preferably ones within the city so we can easily walk in to the store. We’ve honestly never heard of Adinegara until one random DM about pottery we exchanged with this lovely business owner we bought something from on Instagram. We clearly did not remember how we ended up talking about pottery but who knew it was the best share ever.
We now have so many Adinegara pieces and will definitely continue to buy more. The collections are those one offs where the same exact model may never come out again, making the pieces so interesting and agitating at the same time because we might be eyeing something knowing that’s the only one that exists but could get swooped by other enthusiasts immediately.
Adinegara is probably the most minimalist we have on this list in terms of color and design. Pleasantly surprised that the simplicity of its pieces is precisely what make us drawn to it. We also sense a huge influence from Japanese pottery design DNA and culture on Adinegara’s. On every new drop announcement, we are literally like kids entering a candy store. Currently Adinegara only sells through its website and have no offline store. It sometimes holds a one time intimate session of small group of people for clay experience.
Adinegara Ceramic
https://adinegara.co/
Ayu Larasati Ceramic
Our first ever ceramic purchase is actually Ayu Larasati’s wheel thrown bowls. We still have them (amongst many other tablewares from her collection) and relatively became the most frequently used items at our place. When we still live in Jakarta, we may visit the showroom every other weekend just to check out if there are new pieces are coming in. That’s how much we love their ceramic.
Ayu Larasati Ceramic offers a combination of wheel thrown and hand built pieces. Plates and bowls with different sizes and carves; mugs and cups with various glazes and design; vases in different forms. They make every tablewares you may think of. You may see many tenmoku items here - a type of Japanese pottery - integrated to almost all types of its creation. One of things we really like about this ceramicist is that her pieces are both art and function — which kinda serves dual purpose. This utilitarian nature is what make this brand one of our staple “go to” even when buying for presents!
Ayu Larasati and her team occasionally open pottery classes both wheel throwing and hand building either in its studio or showroom. If you are interested to do custom order for your business, the studio also accommodate such request.
Unearth Store
https://www.al-ceramics.com/
Jl. Gandaria 1 No.63, RT.2/RW.10, Kramat Pela, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12130, Indonesia
Gaya Ceramic
This one may need no introductions. Gaya Ceramic has gained reputation nationally and internationally. If you google pottery in Bali, its name most likely appears on top. You can say it is considered as one of the “institutions”.
Every piece we bought from Gaya always feels so special. Collecting its pieces is more like collecting and curating functional art pieces. Gaya Ceramic’s approach to design and innovation is just on highest par — you are almost in awe of their efforts to push beyond the boundaries especially in technique. It is really nothing like you may find in any ceramic stores. It incorporate many interesting elements including hays or leaves. They also experiment with methods like the raku. This gives Gaya a major edge and dimension that makes it very distinct.
A trip to Bali is never complete without paying a visit to Gaya Ceramic showroom in Ubud. Whether just to appreciate the pieces or get inspired with its works or do a little bit of ceramic shopping, it is always our must to do list. We always find ourselves in awe every single trip. The shopkeeper is also so knowledgeable and friendly as she/he walks us through about the ideas and process of every piece displayed.
At the showroom you may see only few available pieces while its works range quite extensively from decorative objects to tablewares to lightings to art works to custom made ceramic tiles. Besides Gaya Ceramic also provides class for advanced potters in its studio just right behind the showroom.
Gaya Ceramic and Design
https://www.gayaceramic.com/
Jl. Raya Sayan No.105, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Kevala Ceramic
We first found about Kevala when enjoying our lunch at Locavore Ubud (go try for a gastronomical adventure!). We were already in our pottery obsession phase at that time, so every time cute interesting looking plates or bowls showed up, we just automatically take a peak the bottom of it to see the brand. The next we did was ask the waiters how and where they bought the tablewares. So when they told us they ordered from a brand that the store is just located less than 50 meters from the restaurant, which means we really must visit them.
We have ended up coming to Kevala store at Ubud in every Bali trip because we usually stay within the vicinity until later we found out it has even bigger place where they sell excess items from pre order and/or sample items in a discounted price. With the same price you pay for 3-4 regular items, you may score 10 items if not more. Definitely a bargain. This bazaar, however, does not happen every time so you may need to check first before heading out to store.
Kevala Ceramics
https://kevalaceramics.com/
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.144, Kesiman, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80237, Indonesia
Margaret Yap Pottery
We actually do not recall how we first stumbled on Margaret’s work. Most likely it just appeared on our instagram explorer as we spent many hours mindlessly scrolling potteries’ posts so the algorithm might as well led us to her. It was in the beginning of the pandemic, we made repeat purchases and even ordered few customised pieces only via instagram direct message. For quite some time our interaction ended up only virtually and never met in person.
Only nearing the end of 2020, I finally subscribed its 4 sessions pottery class at their temporary studio in northern side of Jakarta. Thanks to Margaret and her now husband Steven who had been so wonderful, ever since the sessions with them my interest to learn more about pottery just got bigger. I’ll definitely share more on myself pottery exploration on different post.
Margaret Yap pieces are known for its quirky color-blocking and unique design. Her approach and interpretation of ideas and story attached to it is just so original and refreshing. Its lamp and candle holder series are two out of their many works that worth to check out.
Margaret Yap Studio also offers variety of personalised pottery class - wheel throwing, hand building, painting, glazing. You may ask for private or group class. Adult and kid class are also available.
Margaret Yap Pottery Studio
https://margaretyap.com/
Jalan Pluit Karang Cantik IX, blok M3S No.16, RT.7/RW.18, Pluit, Kec. Penjaringan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14450, Indonesia
So that’s it, the 5 ceramicists that we like best. Pretty sure there is still a lot out there (and we do like a few collections by non-Indonesian artists but that is for another time). To be fair, you have to see these pieces as a combination of form and function. It will always be more expensive than your regular homeware that’s mass produced and generic. But if you like a little design in your home, especially knowing that very specific mug you hold might be the only one in the world that is exactly like that, go for artisan ceramics. If you want to support the growingly effervescent pottery scene in Indonesia, go for these. Hope this was an enjoyable read!
