In the old days, pottery was highly popular as utensils. With the passing of time, however, its prominence has so declined that, for many, it became almost obsolete. Although the inclination among Thais to return to the use of common pottery is not foreseen anytime soon, the only way to give it a new lease of life is through the development of shape, based on new concepts.
Tambon Klong Phra Udom, a Community Economic Network of Benjapon, Lat Lum Kaeo in Prathum Thani Province, recognizes this vital element as the community has experience with existing, well-known folk products.
As a result, its members came together to introduce new products using a combination of traditional wisdom and unique Thai attributes as their approach to making Thai pottery; the way Thai silk, cotton and other fabrics have done before. By incorporating these two elements with three other major components including thread, glue and scissors, a discrete kind of pottery was born, know appropriately as Banjasiri Thai Silk Jar.
Colorful and attractive, Banjasiri Thai Silk Jar looks striking in form and design due to a constantly changing approach and, today, is a distinctive and well-known product, particularly in countries across Europe, the USA and East Asia that have requirements to import such merchandise in large volumes. As a result, villagers who are members of the group are obliged to speedup production. But, above all, before hitting the stores, each item must go through quality control to establish a common standard for sale.
Although few raw materials are required in the making, proper training and expertise form a necessary foundation. Desirable designs of either traditional or applied motifs, such as Kranok, water droplet, lotus petal and heart, are first drawn over the surface of the pottery. Then, a piece of paper is placed over the pottery to lift the motifs for the model. Next, a piece of cloth is cut the size of the original piece of paper.
The most important step, however, is to glue the cloth to the motifs using a solution more adhesive than regular glue. During this process, an anti-fungi solution is also used. But care must be taken not to use too much glue to avoid soaking the fabric, lest it be left with stains. The fabric must be well ironed to make it wrinkle-free.
With the fabric is firmly pressed against the surface of the pottery it is then stretched with a small pair of pincers and pressed well against the shape of the utensil. Once the fabric is secured, it is time to line the thread to cover any joints. The choice of thread is critical; it must be compatible with the color of the fabric and the motifs. Before offering it for sale, it’s given a final touch by covering the paper base with fabric and securing it to the bottom of the piece.
Banjasiri Thai Silk Jar is available both as utensils and decorative items such as vases, water jars, tiny jars for flowers, tiny jars for tissue paper, key rings, etc… In addition to the products, people with an interest in pottery making have an opportunity to learn the production process on every first Sunday of every month
