Si Satchanalai - Ceramic Ovens

In the north of Si Satchanalai are the remains of the ovens in which the famous Chinese-inspired Sawankhalok ceramics were fired (Highway 101 towards new Si Satchanalai, then left and by boat across the Menam Yom; 4 km (2 mi.)).

As early as the 13th c. the ceramics from the ovens of Ban Ko Noi (thought to be the oldest in Thailand) were known as "Chaliangware". The hard clay earth found here was well suited for the firing process. Chaliangware is relatively coarse and usually has a dark brown glaze. King Ramkhamhaeng saw this pottery on a visit to China and decided to introduce it in Thailand. He brought Chinese potters with him who settled around Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai.

Whereas Chaliangware was primarily