Iskandar Jalil, Untitled (Teapot in Blue), Undated

Ceramic
20.5 x 17 x 10.5 cm
Condition: Very good

-

Iskandar Jalil (Singaporean, b. 1940) is one of Singapore’s most celebrated ceramicists, known for his masterful command of form and his deeply rooted artistic philosophy that blends Japanese ceramic traditions with Southeast Asian sensibilities. Iskandar received early training in art education before receiving a Colombo Plan scholarship to study ceramics in Japan in the 1970s. His time there left an indelible influence on his practice, particularly through the Mingei (folk craft) movement, which champions honesty, humility, and utility in art.

His work is often shaped by his experiences across cultures, with an emphasis on spirituality, discipline, and intuition. Iskandar’s ceramics are characterised by a textured, earthy palette, experimental glazes, and the frequent integration of calligraphic or geometric motifs. He often hand-builds his works with clay sourced from different parts of Southeast Asia, giving each piece a distinct material resonance. His forms can be both robust and delicate, marrying function with a poetic approach to craftsmanship.

Beyond his studio practice, Iskandar is a revered educator and mentor, having taught at institutions such as the National University of Singapore and LASALLE College of the Arts. He has shaped generations of ceramicists through his rigorous teaching methods, often placing more value on process and personal discipline than the final product. In 2014, he was awarded Singapore’s Cultural Medallion, and in 2016, a major retrospective of his work was held at the National Gallery Singapore, titled Kembara Tanah Liat (Clay Travels). His legacy continues to shape the trajectory of contemporary ceramic art in the region

(Photographed in January 2025)