Kasongan

Kasongan, Hunting Ceramics in Kundi Settlement
In the Dutch colonial period, in an area south of Yogyakarta shocking events that never happened even frightening local residents with the discovery of a horse owned by the Dutch detective who died on the land of rice fields owned by a citizen. For fear of punishment, such people off the land and does not recognize the right of land again. This was followed by other villagers. Land that has been released even this was eventually recognized by the other villagers. As a result of not having more paddy land, local residents eventually choose to become artisans tiles to toys and kitchen utensils until now. This was revealed in the interview Prof. Gustami et al with local elders in the 1980s.
Areas that we are familiar with the name Kasongan to this day.Padukuhan Kajen a village located in the low mountains of limestone landless. Within 15-20 minutes drive from the city center.Kasongan Village is a residential area of ​​the kundi, which means the pitcher or gundi (people who make the kind of pitcher, gendi, pots and other kitchen wares are also classified as decorative items).
"Starting from a common ancestor mengempal daily-ngempal ground was not broken when put together, and began to form-shaped into a variety of functions that tend to be children's toys or kitchen necessities. Finally, a habit that started to be revealed until the current generation" said Mr. Giman, one worker in a shrine Loro Blonyo.
Kasongan visit to the village, tourists will be welcomed warmly by local residents. Just look at shelf space or showroom is filled with a variety of ceramic handicrafts. And if you are interested in seeing the manufacture of ceramics, tourists can visit several galleries that produce ceramic handicrafts direct it in place. Start of milling, the formation of materials using perbot, drying product which normally takes 2-4 days. Products that have been dried and then burned it, before finally finishing in-wall use a paint or paint tile.
Working collectively, the gallery is usually a family business for generations. Though now the manufacture of ceramics involves residential neighborhood around the gallery owner, but the family is still responsible for the selection of materials and production control.
Touch of Modern Design
At first these ceramics do not have the style at all. But the legend of the death of a horse has inspired craftsmen to come up with a horse motif on many products, especially the horses carrier complete with eccentric pottery or basket that is placed on a horse, other than a frog motif, good and elephants.
Along with the development, with modern influences and the entry of foreign cultures through various media, after it was first introduced about Kasongan by Sapto Hudoyo around 1971-1972 with a touch of art and commercial and commercialized on a large scale by Sahid Ceramics around the 1980's, now tourists can seevariety of different motifs on ceramics. Even tourists can book a kind of motifs according to desire such as peacocks, dragons, roses and many others. This type of production itself already includes many types. No longer dwelling on children's toys (musical instrument, frog, piggy bank) and the need kitchen (pots, Pengaron, kendil, cormorant, kekep and others). Entering the gate Kasongan, will be composed of ceramic galleries along the shoulder of the road which sells a variety of decorative items. Form and function also have varied, ranging from small cigarette ashtray or flower pots that reach shoulder height adults. Ornamental goods were not only having the function, but also items that just be on display.
Ceramic Sculptures Loro Blonyo
One of the well-known ceramic ornaments are a pair of statues of the bride who was sitting politely. This pair of statues known as the Loro Blonyo which was first created by the studio's Loro Blonyo Walujo pack. The statue was adopted from a pair of statues of the bride's Sultan's Palace. By defining Java, Loro means two or a pair, while Blonyo meaningful through the procession bath makeup and dressed. "But the true meaning will still be a question Loro Blonyo workers in Kasongan" said Mr. Giman.
The existence of the trust will carry the statue of Loro Blonyo hockey and create lasting family life when placed in the home, according to the narrative of Mr. Giman on YogYES, it brings positive impact on the sales of this pair of ceramic sculpture. While some foreign tourists who love its shape, a special order with various shapes such as dancers, guitar players, pragawati and so forth. His clothes were no longer using Java standard, in addition to adopting the typical dress some countries, the most wear motif Bali and Thailand. Some of the ceramics galleries are now selling a pair of these unique sculptures that still continue to be produced by several different forms.
Village Tourism
Since the end of the 20th century, after the Indonesian crisis, now in Kasongan tourists can find a variety of products other than pottery.The entry of immigrants who opened the gallery in Kasongan is one influence. Products sold are also still include local handicrafts such as coconut wood crafts, craft dried plants or craft shells. "Whose name itukan go with the flow of business and development, see the opportunities that exist" said Mr. Giman. But the pottery remains a major milestone on the livelihoods of local residents. "Let her talent, anyways do not have any other abilities. Lha wong our highest high school education, and even then some" he added.
Ceramics with various shapes and even modern artistic motifs, and various other handicrafts as an additional attraction Kasongan is today. A story full of tourist attractions and beautiful items hand-craftsmanship of the local population mixing clay.
Two months after the earthquake, now in Kasongan has many galleries are active again, although some are still in rebuilding stages. So far no longer visible signs of concern from both owners and workers. The locals hope tourists will revisit such moments before the quake Kasongan