Introduction

Earthen pottery bowls hold a rich history for Sarawak. Locally known as mangkok in Malay or mangkuok in Bidayuh, the earthen-bowl represents a universal containment vessel, serving as a functional receptacle for consumables, storage and for rituals. 

Infusions are the extraction of the essence (smell & chemical qualities) and flavours from herbs, fruit, flowers and spices. The indigenous people of Sarawak have created infusion recipes for health, celebrations, complementary pairings with dishes as well as for rituals for as long as communities have existed.

At its heart, Earthen Infusion is a dialogue between past and present — ceramics shaped by the earth, infused with the resources of the jungle and knowledge of its people. From traditional Iban pottery to the modern ceramic bowls crafted by ceramicist Tuson Chong, the exhibition explores how vessels have long been used to contain, preserve, and share not only food and drink but also remedies, stories, and spirituality.

"Earthen Infusion: Unveiling Rainforest Remedies through the Art of Ceramic" explores the intersection of art, tradition, and nature in Sarawak's cultural landscape. This exhibition is a homage to the ancestral botanical knowledge of our forebears, and the everyday objects that have carried meaning across centuries.

Through this journey, we invite you to rediscover the magic hidden in the humble bowl. Let these pieces inspire you to connect with the land, its history, and the community that keeps these traditions alive.

Crafting Connections: Exhibitions,Masterclasses, Workshops, Talks and Demonstrations

A series of interactive workshops, live demonstrations, tasting, pairing and engaging talks on topics rooted in Sarawak’s rich artistic and cultural traditions will be featured on the weekends between 19th October to 3rd November 2024. 

Programme Overview

19 October 2024 (Saturday) 11.00AM - 12.30PM
TALK : Rempah Ratus dan Kegunaan Dalam Remedi
Koperasi Mamacare Sarawak Bhd  |  Bahasa Malaysia  |  Free  |  Limited to 35 pax

19 October 2024 (Saturday) 1.30PM - 4.00PM
(2nd session, 26 October 2024 (Saturday) 5.00PM - 7.30PM)
(3rd session, 9th November 2024, (TBC) Gardencraft Studio - firing and immersion)
MASTERCLASS : Traditional Dayak Periuk: Reviving the Art of Dayak Periuk
Nabilah Abdullah |  3 sessions  |  RM 100  |  Limited to 10 pax

20 October 2024 (Sunday) 11.00AM - 12.30PM
TALK / TASTE : Present Day of Traditional Herbal Potion (Jamu Indonesia)
Natasha Jasmine Edwina  |  RM 10  |  Limited to 30 pax

20 October 2024 (Sunday) 1.30PM - 4.00PM
WORKSHOP : Forming and Decorating Tea Bowls with Sarawak Clay
Tuson Chong  |  RM 50  |  Limited to 10 pax

25 October 2024 (Friday) 12.00PM - 2.00PM
NETWORKING LUNCH : For "Earthen" People
Ceramic Artists & Entrepreneurs  |  RM 10  |  Limited to 20 pax

25 October 2024 (Friday) 6.00PM - 7.30PM
TALK : Spicing Up Tradition - Preserving Heritage Gastronomy Through Creative Practice
UCCN Kuching  |  Free  |  Limited to 35 pax

26 October 2024 (Saturday) 11.00AM - 12.30PM
TALK : Power of Beads
Heidi Munan  |  Free  |  Limited to 35 pax

26 October 2024 (Saturday) 2.00PM - 4.00PM
WORKSHOP : Ceramic Bead Painting - Making and Glazing of Heirloom Beads
Ally Enterprise  |  RM 50  |  Limited to 10 pax

27 October 2024 (Sunday) 11.00AM - 12.30PM
TALK : Prehistoric Pottery at the Niah Cave: Crafting Pots to Shape a World
Dr. Franca Cole  |  Free  |  Limited to 35 pax

27 October 2024 (Sunday) 2.00PM - 4.30PM
(2nd session, 2 November 2024 (Saturday) 5.00PM - 7.30PM)
(3rd session, 10th November 2024, (TBC) Gardencraft Studio - firing and immersion)
MASTERCLASS : Recreating a Prehistoric Vessel - Explore the making of Ancient Ceramic Vessels found in the Niah Caves
Dr. Franca Cole  |  3 Sessions  |  RM 100  |  Limited to 10 pax

27 October 2024 (Sunday) 6.00PM - 7.30PM
TASTING / PAIRING : Raw & Fermented: A Kombucha Tasting featuring Sarawakian Clay
KIN Kombucha  |  RM 50  |  Limited to 15 pax

1 November 2024 (Friday) 12.00PM - 2.00PM
NETWORKING LUNCH : For "Infusion" People
Recipe Keepers & F&B Entrepreneurs  |  RM 10  |  Limited to 20 pax

2 November 2024 (Saturday) 11.00AM - 12.30PM
DEMO / TASTE : Nyonya Paku Kerabu
Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak  |  RM 10  |  Limited to 30 pax

2 November 2024 (Saturday) 2.00PM - 4.00PM
WORKSHOP : Ceramic Leaf Print Saucer Set
Alit & Tuson  |  RM 50  |  Limited to 10 pax

3 November 2024 (Sunday) 10.00AM - 11.30AM
TASTING : Experience Sarawak Liberica Coffee from Blossom to Bean
Earthling Coffee  |  RM 50  |  Limited to 20 pax

3 November 2024 (Sunday) 2.00PM - 3.30PM
TALK : Unlocking Value: Benefit-Sharing Agreements in Natural Resource Use
Sarawak Biodiversity Center  |  Free  |  Limited to 35 pax

3 November 2024 (Sunday) 6.00PM - 8.00PM
TASTING / PAIRING : Reimagined - Fermentation in Fusion of Culture & Imagination
Tuak Atelier  |  RM 50  |  Limited to 20 pax

For more information, please check ticketing for description of each programs. Alternatively, visit our Instagram or Facebook.

IG : Earthen Infusion  

FB : Earthen Infusion

About the Organiser

Uniting Communities: An Event for All

Earthen Infusion is a celebration of Sarawak’s dynamic culture, bringing together a wide range of local artisans, individuals and collaborators, including Earthlings Coffee, Tuak Atelier, Wedang Jamu, KIN Kombucha, Gardencraft Co, Alit Production, Heidi Munan, Dr. Franca Cole, UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Kuching, Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Friends of Sarawak Museum, Koperasi Seni Seramik Kenyalang Kuching, Koperasi Mamacare Sarawak, Bruce Photography and CameraLance.

Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the event aims to promote, preserve and honour the wisdom and traditions that have shaped Sarawak’s communities.

General Terms & Conditions

- There is no time limit for general entry as long as it is within operating hours.

- The use of selfie sticks is discouraged in the exhibition area, though photography and videography are encouraged. Please use #eartheninfusion and #eartheninfusionkuching.

- Please respect the intellectual property rights of the artists and contributors.

- No outside food or beverages are allowed in the gallery.

- Smoking is strictly prohibited within the gallery premises.

- Any breakage of exhibition materials will be considered a purchase.

- Payments for merchandise can be made via credit card, e-wallet, or cash.

Admission

- Entry to the exhibition is free.

- E-tickets for paid programs/activities are non-refundable.

- On-site ticket purchases are subject to availability; we strongly recommend buying tickets online in advance.

- Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

- For programs and activities, please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time for registration. Allow extra time for traffic and parking.

- For free programs, if attendance exceeds venue capacity, entry will be based on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to pre-registered participants.

Prohibited Activities/Items

While in the exhibition hall, visitors must NOT:

- Play music or sound, except through personal earphones.

- Engage in unsafe activities or impede exhibition operations.

- Smoke or vape inside the venue.

- Bring pets.

- Consume outside food or beverages, except bottled water.

- Bring illegal, hazardous, or combustible items.

- Use wheeled devices such as skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, or shoes with built-in wheels (this venue is not wheelchair-friendly).

- Operate remote-controlled devices or drones.

- Bring weapons or items resembling weapons.

Safety, Security, and Comfort

- By entering, visitors agree to behave safely at all times.

- Supervisors may conduct security checks on visitors' belongings.

- The organizer reserves the right to refuse admission or remove any visitor who violates these terms, without refund or compensation.

Ticketing

- Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.

- For questions or issues with online ticket purchases, contact Earthen Infusion via email at [email protected] or WhatsApp +60168887750.

- All tickets are for single admission only.

Disclaimers

- The organizer reserves the right to change operations, including for maintenance or private events. If a program is postponed or canceled, the organizer will try (but is not obligated) to notify those registered.

- The organizer is not liable for any death, injury, damage, or loss within the exhibition area.

- The organizer is not responsible for any lost, misplaced, or stolen belongings.

- Credit card information provided is retained only for transaction purposes.

- If you experience difficulties using this facility, it may be due to high-security settings on your web browser.