History of Celadon

     Celadon is a commonly accepted name for the kind of high-fired stoneware with a wood ash glaze, which is handmade by traditional process believed to have been first developed in China for centuries. It was brought to Thailand as” Sangkaloke Potter” during Sukhothai period and existed through Ayuddhya period, then it was the dark age of Celadon. About a hundred years ago, a crude form of high fired pottery stoneware, with the traditional wood ash glaze, survived in Chiengmai.[A2] The pieces made ware mainly for domestic use and handed on to some generations.


Background of Bannau Celadon

     Mr. Pongluk, born in Cheingmai, had seen the process of Celadon making since he was a child. He was interested and fond of Celadon so he observed this art from the local artists. Practicing painting and design of Celadon with them in his hometown, Pongluk decided to join in pottery career, he studied techniques of making Celadon from factories and skillful artists for years. In 1992 Mr. Pongluk started his career in Bannua
(Don-it). At the beginning, nobody knew much about Celadon; it was new for all villagers.


Idea of Product

     Idea of making Celadon, Mr. Pongluk knew that he could reserve local wisdom of Celadon and hand it to the next generations, and would also create good jobs for the villagers. He started his career by making Celadon souvenirs and sold it in Samutsakhon Province. His Celadon attracted his customers. He soon produced varieties of Celadon e.g. dishes, mugs, coffee sets, tea sets, jars, bottles, large vase, antique containers, etc. He designed various styles and painted some items in classical Thai style focusing on Thai life, history, festivals, ceremonies, literatures and classic paintings.


The Obtain of Bannua (Don-it) Celadon

     Mr. Pongluk Suwanmalee has always improved the designs of Bannua Celadon. He received a bulk orders from time to time so he expanded his business. Many villagers were invited to practice this traditional craft. The skillful craftman taught the new comers. People could earn more and learn about Celadon. Bannua (Don-it) Celadon is still being developed on its style and design but remain the original characteristic and value of Thai traditional Celadon.


Way of life, Culture and Environment

     Design and style reflect the community

     The distinction of Bannua (Don-it) Celadon is its greenish grey glaze, which is obtained from iron in ash glaze mixture and the crackle (otherwise known as ‘crazing’) is caused by a difference in the coefficient of contraction between the body and the glaze when the pot is cooled off. Celadon comes along the two styles: a plain texture and carving texture. The design of Bannua (Don-it) Celadon reflects the Thai way of life e.g. history, literature, ceremonies and festivals, Thai art.


Environment Connection

     Celadon is the product made from natural material, the glaze is usually made of silt from a rice field and wood ash from a particular tree. The body of the pot is made of stoneware clay from a local deposit. When fired in a reduction atmosphere (high Co2, low o2 content), the natural iron content of the glaze and of the body combine to produce the delicate shade of green which is associated with gook Celadon. New technology may change the process but Bannua (Don-it) still remains the use of traditional process and natural raw materials in the production. The process of Celadon does not cause any environmental problems as well.


Legend of Celadon

     Most Celadon were discovered in Lanna and Sukhothai, they decorated by using artistic skills of carving or press before glaze. Some were painted with black color founded in Sukhothai and known as “Sangkaloke” stoneware during B.E. 19th – 21st (14th –16th Century). Lanna stoneware or Celadon found in Sankamphaeng, Sansai, and Wieng Kalong. So Celadon ceramics is a real local wisdom handed from the previous centuries. It is the real pride of the community.


Reflection of Wisdom

     Bannua (Don-it) Celadon reflects local wisdom of people who learned artistic skills and added their imagination to produce fascinating and good quality product. It is attractive. Furthermore, it generates extra income and makes the community known.


Connection to Community Culture

     Celadon is a part of the culture in times of Sukhothai and Ayuddhya periods. It was said that this kind of stoneware pottery was used in high class families and in the palace. Now it is very popular for ordinary households as seen as dinner sets, vases, decoration items, etc. It indicates the uniqueness of Thai art. Many restaurants, hotels, resorts and spas decorated their buildings and gardens with Celadon pottery. The trend is increasing more and more.