These earthenware water vessels derive their shape from the gourd, a fleshy fruit of a creeping vine that since ancient times was hollowed out and dried for use as a water container. Malay pottery consists mainly of household utensils such as cooking pots, dishes, storage vessels for water and incense braziers. Traditionally, they were hand-moulded without the use of potter’s wheel. Many take their shapes from natural forms such as fruit or vegetables and are decorated with incised floral and geometric motifs.
