Omega Ceramic & Pottery

Omega deals with a varied range of ceramic and pottery wares to suit the taste of its market in the orient and the west. Each and every of its item are individually designed and looks different from one another. Its products are strictly local with designs carefully chosen to depict identities of Sarawak, its people, culture and tradition.

EARLY CERAMIC & POTTERY WARES

There is evidence that the indigenous people of Borneo produced their own earthenware for daily use long before the trade wares were introduced. The establishment of trade contacts between China and this region from the 11th century A.D. onwards brought some diversity into the life of the indigenous people. Among the items of trade introduced were ceramic wares, silk and metals objects, glass beads and ornaments. These colorful, durable and attractive objects appealed to the hearts of the indigenous people.

Besides being used for storing rice, for brewing rice wine (tuak) and as containers for medicines and ointments, ceramic objects have also been used by the indigenous people of Sarawak for ceremonial purposes. Examples of these are the Melanau wedding and healing ceremonies, the Kelabit head rituals and the Iban Bird Festival (Gawai Burung) as well as bride wealth, as fines for offences and as gravegoods.

By mid 1800's when immigrant Chinese artisans arrived in Sarawak, they set up commercial operations to cater for the local market. Specifically in Kuching, earlier skillful Chinese pottery makers and ceramic artisans came from the Swatow Province of Chinese to make a living using both Chinese and Dayak design themes to create a truly unique and colorful Sarawak style of pottery. Traditional Iban or Orang Ulu designs are very popular and these designs are cut out of the pot when it still damp and then painted in various colors.

UNGLAZED & GLAZED CERAMIC VASES

Unglazed ceramic vases are original but popular even until today merely because of its authentic look. They are artistically handcrafted with attractive, eye-catching ethnic designs offering both Dayak motifs and Chinese classical looks. On the other hand, glazed vases offer the same designs but are enhanced with a shining reflection to add to a well lighted room atmosphere.

HANDPAINTED AND HANDPASTED VASES

The tranquility of Sarawak's rural countryside is remarkably depicted in these exquisite painted and carved vases. Whether it is a native group's longhouse, motifs and symbols, these vases bear uniqueness of the beauty of the undisturbed country life and environment of Sarawak, a land of unspoiled beauty.

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Last Updated: April 24, 2000.