Cover The Patra Punggel Collection, a special set to commemorate Jenggala's 50th anniversary
The Patra Punggel Collection, a special set to commemorate Jenggala's 50th anniversary
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As iconic Balinese ceramic house Jenggala marks five decades, we explore how a humble Sanur workshop birthed the island’s first kiln and shaped the landscape of Asian luxury tableware.
In 1976, along the quiet shores of Sanur, hotelier Wija Waworuntu and New Zealand potter Brent Hesselyn constructed Bali’s very first ceramic kiln. What began as a modest ambition—crafting bespoke tableware and wellness vessels for Tandjung Sari Hotel—sparked a movement that would redefine Indonesian design.
Named after an ancient Javanese kingdom famed for trade and bearing the Cili motif of Dewi Sri, the goddess of prosperity, Jenggala was born of deep respect for local artistry. Five decades on, Jenggala has evolved from its Batujimbar roots into an international design icon.
Today, operating from its airy flagship sanctuary in Jimbaran, the brand unites over 150 master artisans and colleagues. Their hands-on expertise forms the backbone of a sprawling archive comprising more than 7,000 distinct designs and hundreds of proprietary glazes.
Above Jenggala's founder, the late Wija Waworuntu and his daughter, Ade
Above The late Brent Hesselyn, a New Zealander who co-founded Jenggala
Jenggala's founder, the late Wija Waworuntu and his daughter, Ade
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Step into a Michelin-starred dining room in Hong Kong, a luxurious boutique hotel in Bali, or a coffee shop in California, and you will likely encounter Jenggala’s beautiful creations. Tactile surfaces, rich earthy glazes, and organic silhouettes inspired by Balinese flora and leitmotifs have earned international acclaim, including the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Handicrafts for its Modern Kendi and Rantang collections.
Under the guidance of president director Ade Waworuntu, Jenggala continues to merge heritage techniques with contemporary creative dialogues. High-profile artistic collaborations span from Japanese ceramic artist Tomoko Konno to local marine conservation projects, including a striking 22-metre coral installation at Bali's Coral Triangle Center.
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Above Ade Waworuntu, Jenggala's president director
Above Jenggala's iconic Balinese Cili ceramic
Ade Waworuntu, Jenggala's president director
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To celebrate this 50-year milestone, Jenggala hosted a Pasar Malam evening at its Jimbaran flagship on September 26, bringing together long-time patrons, collaborators, and the craftspeople whose dedication defines the house. For collectors, a rare anniversary release of archival classics—including the beloved Patra Punggel and Cloud collections—presented an invitation to bring a piece of Balinese design history home.
“Jenggala has been part of my life since I was a child. Celebrating 50 years of Jenggala means celebrating the lives of my late father, Wija, and the late Brent Hesselyn, as well as everyone who has become part of the Jenggala family, from day one until today," adds Ade Waworuntu. Half a century on, Jenggala proves that true luxury lies in the tactility of the human touch and the endurance of craftsmanship.
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