History of Tanteri

Tanteri was a ceramics art studio established in 1987 by I Made Tanteri,  a pioneer for ceramic development in Pejaten Village in Bali.

His studio was a place provided for artists and pottery artisans to express their creations. Until now, crafts pottery is growing for generations and has become a livelihood for Pejaten village people. Some of the villagers’ works are widely sold worldwide and have significant value for society.

I Made Tanteri has revived the old traditional pottery that nearly died out. His research about high-temperature firing techniques found problems. He continually encountered technical issues until the arrival of Mrs. Hester Tjebbes; a renew Dutch ceramic artist. She helped Tanteri and the villagers of Pejaten make perfect high-temperature firing techniques. Pejaten people can make glazed pottery with high firing and creation, which was more durable and artistic.

The creativity of Tanteri and his villager was at last, and they began to create masterful and uniquely Balinese works, which sold all over the world. For his craftsmanship and contribution to craft aiding in Indonesia’s development, Tanteri received UPAKARTI, a national award from the President Republic of Indonesia in 1986.

Nowadays, the art of glazed pottery in Bali has rapidly developed. In Pejaten, many ceramic studios have produced various motif of products inspired by Bali’s natural environment and culture.

To maintain and preserve ceramics’ art, Oka Mahendra feels compelled to establish Tanteri Foundation, aiming to preserve and develop pottery and ceramics’ art in Bali. The Tanteri Museum collects various ceramics and pottery ever made in Pejaten village and various ceramics found in the Indonesian archipelago.