Production begun in the 13th century AD, possibly with the decline of Khmer ceramics. During the 15th century China was faced with an important crisis, opening the opportunity for Sukhothai ceramics to conquer export markets. Sukhothai wares have been found in Indonesia, the Philippines and China among other countries. They were a very important article of trade. Major collections have been found in sunken vessels around the gulf of Thailand, still in good condition after centuries in the water.
In the middle of the 16th century, production at Sukhothai was discontinued, possibly related to the wars between the kingdom of Ayudhaya and the Burmese, and the resurgence of Chinese ceramics.
At present, the most attractive examples of Sukhothai ceramics are in the hand of private collectors. Apparently there has been a time when the ceramics were not highly valued. Interested people have most likely acquired the wares on a first come, first served basis, by collecting at the sites themselves, or buying ceramics from local people at a cheap price. To value the beauty of Sukhothai ceramics, you should therefore look in the books I mentioned before. But, if you can, go to Wang Suan Pakkad on Sri Ayudhaya Rd, Bangkok, to see the Ban Chiang ceramic art.
More about Sukhothai Ceramics : www.thaiantiques.info |
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