The Enduring Appeal Of Claytan Dinnerware In Malaysia: A Tableware Tradition

Claytan Oriental Ceramics is a Malaysian company that has been in the business of making tableware since 1920. The name Claytan comes from combining clay or ceramic, and Tan, the surname of the family that owns the business. Claytan tableware is made with premium and food-grade ceramic material with a protective glaze that ensures colours do not fade. Their products are 100% lead and cadmium-free, non-toxic, and safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, and freezers. Claytan exports its products to 53 countries, including Australia, Japan, Europe, the UK, the USA, and the Asia Pacific.

Claytan's history and manufacturing process

Claytan was founded in 1920 by Mr Tan Soon Heng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Mr Tan was a native Teochew from the southern province of Guangdong, China, who had a knack for crafting ceramics and a passion for continuing the ancient art. The company was born when Mr Tan saw the potential of soil and began producing the finest vitrified clay pipes for the Public Works and Health Departments during the British colonisation of Malaya.

As the latex rubber industry boomed in Malaya, Claytan started to produce latex cups, which eventually expanded into earthen containers and tableware. Claytan soon became a household name, with its products bringing families closer. The company continued to innovate, modernising the sanitary ware production process by pioneering the installation of a modern British-designed tunnel kiln in Malaysia. This kiln was used to produce refined sanitaryware that complied with British Standards.

Claytan has always been committed to crafting a more sustainable and liveable space for all life on Earth. The company is family-run, with a focus on ensuring the long-term development of each of its divisions, in keeping with their identity, heritage, and expertise.

Today, Claytan is one of the largest ceramic manufacturing groups in ASEAN, exporting to 35 countries worldwide. The production of ceramics has grown from 50 pieces a year to 7 million. Claytan's products are made with the highest international quality standards and use premium, food-grade ceramic materials with an anon-fading protective glaze.

The manufacturing process for Claytan's products involves several steps, from sourcing the best clay and raw materials to quality control. Various raw materials are used in preparing ceramic bodies, including clays, feldspar or flint, and silica, which are characterised by small particle sizes. For tiles with a super white body, superior white clay is used.

The first step is to reduce the raw material particles to the desired size using various equipment during several crushing and grinding steps to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The resulting product is called a slurry, which is then spray-dried to yield particle agglomerate with a very low moisture content suitable for the forming stage.

The next step is moulding, which happens through dry pressing to make thin, flat pieces with regular geometry. Most manufacturers use the latest KEDA pressers, which give the tiles a high level of hardness. After this, inkjet printing is used to spray the glaze onto the body using injectors with different inks. Additional techniques can be added to provide more texture and achieve more superior and realistic results.

Firing is the most important stage of the manufacturing process. The semi-hardened elements are subjected to a high-temperature thermal cycle of up to 1300°C as they travel through the kiln, causing fundamental transformations in their physico-chemical properties. Natural gas is used as it is environmentally friendly and provides temperature stability, eliminating tile deformations.

During the firing process, the tiles are polished to achieve the desired look, and two layers of anti-dust nano-layers are added to avoid impurities in the glaze. Finally, edge treatment is applied to ensure all tiles are the same size, and the last step is quality control, where each factory has established its own standards that exceed the industry norms.

Claytan's product range

Dinnerware Sets

Claytan offers a range of dinnerware sets in different sizes, colours, and designs. The sets typically include dinner plates, soup plates, bowls, and mugs. Some sets also feature additional pieces such as teapots, serving trays, and salad bowls. The dinnerware sets come in various styles, from minimalist plain white designs to floral patterns and colourful options like Chrysler Imperial, Cottage Rose, and Eden Pink.

Children's Ware

Claytan also offers a range of children's ware, including the "Summer Things" and "Fun Cars" 4-piece sets. These sets are designed with colourful and playful patterns that appeal to younger children.

Tea Sets

Claytan offers elegant tea sets, such as the "Elegant Floral" and "Henna" 14-piece tea sets. These sets typically include teapots, cups, saucers, and other accessories, providing a sophisticated afternoon tea experience.

Tableware Accessories

In addition to dinnerware sets, Claytan provides individual tableware accessories. This includes items like the "TI_S The Season Salad Bowl," "TI_S The Season Serving Tray," and "TI_S The Season Oval Platter." These accessories complement the dinnerware sets and enhance the overall dining experience.

Kitchenware

Bathroom and Medical Range

Claytan also manufactures a range of bathroom and medical products, including water closets, toilet bowls, and surgical basins. These products showcase the brand's versatility and commitment to quality across different product categories.

Claytan's products are known for their durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal. The brand assures that their products are lead and cadmium-free, non-toxic, and safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, and freezers. With a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail, Claytan has established itself as a trusted name in tableware and kitchenware.

Claytan's product quality and safety

Claytan is a well-known brand of ceramic tableware that has been in business for over a century, since its founding in Malaysia in 1920. The brand name is a combination of the words "clay" and "Tan," reflecting the family name of its founder, Mr Tan Chong Cheng, and the business of crafting products from clay or ceramic.

Claytan's products are made with premium and food-grade ceramic materials. They are known for their high quality and compliance with international standards. The brand uses cutting-edge technology from Japan and Europe to ensure the excellence of its products. Claytan's tableware is 100% locally made in Malaysia and is exported to 53 countries worldwide, including Australia, Japan, Europe, the UK, USA, and the Asia Pacific region.

The brand assures its customers that its products are 100% lead and cadmium-free, non-toxic, and safe for use in microwaves, dishwashers, and freezers. The tableware is also easy to clean and has been quality tested to withstand daily wear and tear, making it resistant to breaks, chips, cracks, and scratches. Claytan's products feature beautiful intricate designs and colours that do not fade and can be mixed and matched for different lifestyles and occasions.

One of Claytan's standout features is its underglaze decoration, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also serves a functional purpose. Unlike other dinnerware brands that typically use a non-glaze foot, Claytan plates have a glaze foot. The non-glaze foot is the round, flat edge underneath most plates, which is often a breeding ground for germs and bacteria as it is hard to clean. By using a glaze foot, Claytan plates offer a more hygienic option.

In addition to their focus on quality and safety, Claytan also offers a range of dinnerware sets to suit different needs and preferences. Their sets typically include dinner plates, soup plates, bowls, mugs, and teapots, with some sets featuring unique pieces like a rice container, a water closet, and a surgical basin. Claytan's products are an excellent choice for those seeking stylish, durable, and safe tableware that will elevate their dining experience.

Claytan's product designs and colours

Claytan's product designs are varied and cater to different tastes and preferences. The brand offers both minimalist and intricate designs, with solid colours and floral patterns. Their dinnerware sets typically include dinner plates, soup plates, bowls, mugs, and teapots. Some sets also include additional pieces such as serving trays, salad bowls, and sugar bowls with lids.

The Claytan 10 PCs Dinner Set, for example, features beautiful flower patterns around the plates and is made of durable earthenware. On the other hand, the Claytan Boheme Blue and Boheme Pink 16pcs Dinner Sets offer a more minimalist and modern design, with no patterns mentioned.

Claytan also offers children's ware, such as the Summer Things and Fun Cars 4pcs Children Ware, which likely feature more playful designs and colours.

In terms of colours, Claytan offers a wide range, including blue, pink, red, white, black, yellow, green, purple, orange, brown, and beige. Some sets feature a single colour, like the Tropical Queen set in red and white, while others offer multiple colours, like the Stoneware Speckle Beige Plate Set.

Claytan's products are made with premium and food-grade ceramic materials, featuring an anon-fading protective glaze that ensures their colours remain vibrant.

Claytan's product care and maintenance

Claytan dinnerware is made from ceramic, which is a material that requires careful handling to ensure its longevity. Here are some detailed care and maintenance instructions for your Claytan dinnerware set:

Washing and Cleaning:

• Claytan's dinnerware sets are dishwasher-safe. However, if washing by hand, always use a soft sponge or brush to scrub your dishes. Avoid using metal scourers, as these can cause scratches.
• When hand-washing, first rinse off excess food and then soak dishes in lukewarm, soapy water to remove caked-on food.
• To avoid scratches from abrasive compounds, use a gentle, low-chlorine soap or mild detergent.
• For stubborn stains, such as tea or coffee marks, use a non-abrasive, creamy cleaner with a soft sponge.
• Always dry your Claytan dinnerware with a linen tea towel to prevent water stains.
• To remove water marks or hide scratches, gently rub the affected area with toothpaste. The paste will harden and fill scratches within about an hour.

Storage:

• Store your Claytan dinnerware in a china cabinet to keep it safe and on display.
• When stacking plates, place a paper towel, napkin, fabric, or microfoam pad between each plate to prevent scratches and reduce the chance of breakages.
• To distribute weight evenly and prevent breakages, stack plates and bowls in columns of four to six, or store plates upright in a plate rack.
• Cups are best stored on a hanging rack to prevent scratches and breakages.

Temperature Control:

• Claytan's dinnerware is microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer-safe.
• However, sudden changes in temperature can weaken ceramics, so avoid placing hot dishes on cold surfaces or putting cold dishes in the microwave or oven.
• Always allow dishes to cool before handling or washing to prevent thumbprints and scratches.

General Care:

• Use mild, non-toxic, and eco-friendly cleaning products to care for your Claytan dinnerware and avoid harsh chemicals that may cause discolouration.
• Handle one piece of dinnerware at a time when shifting storage places to avoid accidents.
• Never expose your Claytan dinnerware to direct flames, such as gas stove burners.
• To maintain shine and colour, follow the care instructions provided by Claytan and handle your dinnerware with care.

By following these care and maintenance tips, you can ensure your Claytan dinnerware set remains in good condition and provides you with a beautiful dining experience for years to come.

Frequently asked questions