Thai celadon industry was started in the late 13th century after King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai returned from China with 500 potters.

Don’t ignore the small shops, the ceramic displays, especially shopping arcades that showcase some potteries. Getting in the stores could mean a rediscovering of an ancient art that is more

than 2, 000 years ago. Introducing Celadon …

The Chinese had long been bringing celadon pieces to Thailand, and later introduced the art of its making. Early Thai artisans got interested in the handicraft when they learned that royal emperors of China ate from bowls carved from solid green jade that were considered precious and only members of the royalty used it. This predecessor of celadon had been so precious that only their servants were allowed to see them.

Chinese master potters tried to reproduce the sensuous green tones of this precious royal
earthenware by using different stones. But it took years before a unique form of pottery, now known to the world as "celadon" was born.

Based on existing records, the Thai celadon industry was started in the late 13th century after King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai returned from China with 500 potters.

These artisans eventually settled in Sawankalok and Sukhothai. For almost a century, these two places became the center of stoneware pottery, which was known as "Sangkalok", the origin of today's celadon.

However, when war broke out between the northern Lanna Thai kingdom and the rulers of Ayutthaya in the late 14th century, these potters disappeared, leading to the eventual end of the celadon industry. It took another century before it was revived.

At first, the distribution of celadon items was handled exclusively by a small number of retail shops in Bangkok and Chiangmai. But soon the rest of the world soon discovered it. Today, celadon is exported to the US, Australia, Japan and Europe.

While demand has increased substantially, Thai craftsmen have refused to engage in mass
production, fearing this would compromise quality.