Bahla potter integrates 3D printing technology to fashion traditional pottery and keeps alive an ancestral occupation in Oman

For Mohammed bin Hamoud al Qamshoui, who hails from the wilayat of Bahla, in Dakhliya governorate, pottery is more than a craft – it is a legacy. Having inherited the skill from his father, the Omani artisan has, however, given it a new-age spin.

Qamshoui has now taken a bold step forward, merging traditional pottery-making with advanced 3D printing techniques to create unique ceramic pieces.

“I inherited the profession of hand-crafted pottery from my father,” Qamshoui said. Since officially embarking on his journey in 2006, he has expanded his repertoire to include cups, teacups, plates, vases, and ceramic medallions in various sizes and designs.

Beyond crafting pottery, Qamshoui is dedicated to passing on his knowledge. He conducts training sessions for school students, teaching them the intricacies of pottery and porcelain-making. This year, he introduced 3D printing into his work, a move that has transformed his creative process.

He gained expertise in the technology through training programmes at the Pottery and Ceramics Training and Production Centre in Bahla. After completing the programme, he launched his own small-scale craft project, receiving support from the centre to establish his business.

“I receive orders from customers – both, individuals and institutions -from within Oman and abroad,” he said. Initially, marketing his products had proved challenging but social media changed the game.

“At the beginning, marketing was an obstacle until I launched my project’s social media accounts. This significantly increased demand for my products,” he said adding that participation in exhibitions and training sessions also contributed to his growth.

Qamshoui believes his craft has taught him patience, endurance, and self-reliance. “The profession of hand-made pottery taught me these essential qualities,” he said.

Innovation in pottery

Explaining the advantages of 3D printing, Al-Qamshoui said he uses specialised software to design each piece before printing. “These programmes facilitate my work, saving time and effort while ensuring a neat and organised final product,” he said.

The process begins with designing the shape on software which is then fed into a 3D printer. “Sometimes, a single piece takes up to five hours to print,” he noted. The technology allows for greater precision, consistency, and efficiency compared to traditional hand-crafting methods.

Qamshoui has received financial assistance from the pottery centre of Riyada, in Dakhliya, which provided essential materials for manufacturing and firing the produçts. But, the support from his family and friends helped him in staying motivated, he asserts.

His participation in local exhibitions and training workshops, including one on decoration and gypsum mould-making, has further boosted his craft.

“Participation in exhibitions plays a crucial role in marketing and promoting our products,” he notes, adding, “It also allows us to receive honest feedback from visitors, which helps improve product quality and enhances competition among artisans,” he said.

Al Qamshoui encourages Omani youth to embrace traditional crafts, urging them to preserve their heritage. “Learning Omani crafts helps keep our traditions alive and sustains our authentic cultural identity,” he said.