From Time Immemorial

Pots, the most basic of utensils used for domestic and storage purposes were made in Thailand since Neolithic times. Plain earthenware and earthenware with red swirling designs and carved geometric patterns combined with red swirling designs were unearthed in the northern areas of the country which dated from around 4000 BCE. Other pre historic Thai ceramics came from the present Kanchanburi Province and were thinner, had a glossier finish and displayed a range of shapes. During the 1st century BCE terracotta and unglazed ceramic ware were popular in the Mon Kingdom to the west of Bangkok. Ceramic religious symbols, figurines and building decorations were turned out during this time. Unglazed ceramic ware was exported to the region from Southern Thailand for many years. 

Glazed stoneware fired at high temperatures made between the 14th and 16th centuries in the Kingdoms of Lanna and Sukhothai are the most well known of historic Thai ceramics. Of particularly fine quality were the black and dark green glazed stoneware in many shapes made in the kilns of Kalong which were exported to other countries in the region. Several of these exquisite pieces salvaged from boats that sank in the Gulf of Thailand and some unearthed in other countries are now prized collector’s items. This type of ceramic is still produced and is still popular regionally. Strife in the region seems to have disturbed life in Thailand and ceramic production suffered as a result. 

However unglazed stoneware products continued to be produced in Singburi even after the 16th century. Bencharong (meaning five colours) ware, which was a special technique of hand painting with enamel over glazed ceramics, was popular with Thai royalty in the 18th and early 19th century. Thai artists went to China to help design and hand paint ceramics especially for the Thai court. At the beginning of the 20th century celadon began to be manufactured in Thailand probably with Burmese inputs and it is now big business around Chiang Mai and Lampang.  

Equipped with a selection of spacious, comfortable and well appointed accommodation and guest services that include a series of luxuries from flavourful and adventurous dining experiences to healing spa treatments Anantara Si Kao Thailand provides the ideal base to experience the many attractions of the Krabi area. Laze on pristine beaches, dive and snorkel in clear blue waters, play a round of golf, take a cookery class or take time to experience the natural attractions around one of popular Krabi resorts. Stay at this Krabi resort hotel and experience the best that Thailand has to offer.