Art pottery for foreign exports
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| Luzon, Phillipines |
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.
World Class Goods
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.
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 main chedi.
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.
