Art Pottery for Exports
Previously, I had a little interest of Sanghalok, it was a rough, heavy and old fashioned earthenware. What make me smarter are the pottery collections from various sources in South East Asia and China at Ayala Museum, Makati city, Manila in the Philippines. Of course, one of the outstanding artifacts is Sangkhalok of Sukhothai.
From Si Satchanalai to Manila, the cargo ship route had
established for many hundred years. Sangkhalok products were used in rituals
for the elites and belong to the VIP people.
Sankhalok were ship to many destinations; the Philippines,
Indonesia, Japan, Middle East and Europe. Began in the
18th Buddhist century (13rd century) and reached Europe on 21st Buddhist
century (16th century).
Production
of Sangkhalok scattered along the Yom River. The Ceramic Kilns Conservation and
Study Centre is located about 5 km from the northeast city gate. The centre
exhibits history of pottery, Sangkhalok and the kiln excavated in this area.
Center for Study and Preservation of Sankhalok |
Good to Know
A
thing interesting for me is the decorative elements made of baked clay that use
for ancient temples which at present we could not see from the real places. All
were broken and disappeared. The centre shows glaze tile samples such as gable
end in form of deva, Makara head using to decorate stair at the viharn or mainchedi.
Ceramic Makara: Mythical Creature |
Gable End in Form of Deva |
In fact, these details are
very valuable. Unfortunately, we could see the ruins of the ancient world
without these delicate components. However, from now on I can imagine more. Not
just visit existing ruins and quite disappointed for nothing to see.