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Ko Kret Island is probably known for it's earthenware pottery more than anything else. Little wonder, because the craftsmanship that goes into moulding a simple piece of local clay into a beautifully made piece of pottery requires time and skill. The potters on Ko Kret Island have both - in abundance. |
It would be easy to stay for hours just
watching the skill and mastery of the pottery carvers on
this small island. The normal carving tool is the same
'skewer' with which most of the roadside foods are served.
Nothing more, but it is the steady hand and focussed eye of
the Ko Kret Pottery worker that is important. Centuries of
handed-down skills of the Mon families have ensured that the
Ko Kret pottery is here to stay, and quite unique in its
quality and appearance. Ko Kret Pottery is a part of the
OTOP system in Thailand
The hand carving of the pottery is what sets it aside from other terracotta pots throughout the world. The eastern influence of the Mon tribes - originally from China can soon be seen both in the artistry and also the subject matter. The Mons did not choose to be here in Thailand. Like so many other Eastern peoples, they were forced by circumstance. In this case the 'migration' was helped along by early Burmese races, who also moved along with them to settle firstly in Northern Thailand, and also to the Chao Phraya River area in Central Thailand.
To get this,
you have to do this!
The pottery on Ko Kret is hand thrown - that is to say that it is not forced into moulds of any kind. The potter's wheel is normally a peddle operated basic contraption upon which the raw clay is placed )thrown) and then moulded in time honoured fashion by the cupping and shaping of hands. Once the basic shape has been attained, the item of pottery is removed and normally placed in a 'drying shed' so that it does not dry out too quickly - otherwise will crack - and at a point between this and the kiln, is taken to be hand carved - with a skewer!
A kiln on the island - probably still in use judging
by the fresh ash and close vicinity to the potter's bench. There are
several types of kiln on the island of Ko Kret - Scorpion, and
Chinese to mention two.
The pots are 'lightly' dried before consigning to the
kilns where they are baked to the normal terracotta colour that is
the trademark of unglazed pots the world over. The local clay -
whilst being mid to dark brown upon excavation - semi-dries to a
light tan, before the final firing.
As with all aspects of life, accidents happen, and
when it happens to a pot, there can only be one outcome!
A drying shed for the freshly made Ko Kret pottery
items. Note the change in colour of the pots in this intermediate
stage.
Now visit Ko Kret Island
