TINJAUAN PERKEMBANGAN, KONDISI SOSIAL DAN KREATIVITAS PERAJIN KERAMIK DI KIARA CONDON G BANDUNG

Abstract

The centre o f the traditional ceramics!pottery industry established in Java spread out across only a few
areas, including Kasongan (Yogyakarta). Plered (West Java), and Kiara Condong (Bandung, West Java).
The ceramics/pottery produced by craftsmen o f Kiara Condong possesses unique characteristics; i.e. white
clay material, low temperature o f burning, and a shiny glazed texture because o f load meni being one o f the
ingredients.
Viewed from the aspects o f shape and pattern o f the ornament, the craftsmen o f Kiara Condong often
adopt the m otif and ancient decorative style from the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) era and/
or o f the Chinese dynasties. The ornamental nature o f the products is not their only distinctive characteristic
but also the unique identity o f ceramics/pottery o f Kiara Condong. The inclination o f the choice o f style and
motif can be considered one o f the efforts in protecting them from the flood o f imported ceramics/pottery.
However, some people consider that what they have done is merely copy old creations and that creativity
is not required. This phenomenon is worth observing, considering the many factors which became cause
o f the problem; such as environmental condition, labour, as well as the high level o f competition between
factories (owners).
Keyzvords: ceramics/pottery, Kiara Condong, factor, social condition