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.
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.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
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 functional, under Chinese guidance "Sawankhalokware" developed which was more completely finished with a delicate, silk glaze. It matched the quality of Chinese Seladon ceramics and became an important export of the Sukhothai empire to Indonesia, Japan, the Phillippines and Borneo. As well as jugs, teapots, bowls and crockery figures for toys and consecrated gifts to protective spirits were produced.
The Thais have retained the art of making ceramics over the centuries although style and shapes have not changed since the 15th c. Chiang Mai is a center of modern ceramic production but the artistic perfection of the ceramics from Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai and Sawakhalok is no longer achieved.
Whereas Chaliangware was primarily functional, under Chinese guidance "Sawankhalokware" developed which was more completely finished with a delicate, silk glaze. It matched the quality of Chinese Seladon ceramics and became an important export of the Sukhothai empire to Indonesia, Japan, the Phillippines and Borneo. As well as jugs, teapots, bowls and crockery figures for toys and consecrated gifts to protective spirits were produced.
The Thais have retained the art of making ceramics over the centuries although style and shapes have not changed since the 15th c. Chiang Mai is a center of modern ceramic production but the artistic perfection of the ceramics from Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai and Sawakhalok is no longer achieved.
