Dan Kwian

Dan Kwian (Thai: ด่านเกวียน) is a village and subdistrict in Chok Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. It is known for its pottery and handicrafts.[1] The village name Dan Kwian means toll station or check point (Dan) for oxcarts (Kwian).

Location

Dan Kwian sits at a narrows of the Mun (Thai: แม่น้ำมูล) river and was a convenient river crossing point.[2] The village, located on the Nakhon Ratchasima to Chok Chai road, is broken into two distinct parts. Dan Kwian Din Phao (ด่านเกวียนดินเผา), a congregation of larger factories and a roadside sales area, is located about 2 kilometers north of the historic village Moo Baan Dan Kwian (หมู่บ้านด่านเกวียน). The Tambon covers a 10.17 sq km area. The people of Dan Kwian are mostly employed in handicrafts and farming.

History

The pottery village is said to have started around 1740 although this date has not been verified. This same account states that pottery production began with Mon (Thai: มอญ) refugees similar to the potters of Ko Kred (Kred Island). This claim, although popularly held, may not be accurate.[3]

Prior to approximately 1972 nearly all the products, other than agricultural products, of Dan Kwian were functional pottery. Common thrown forms were water storage jars of around 50 litres, fermented fish paste jars, mortars, and basins. There is no evidence of tableware production at Dan Kwian.[3] Most of the pottery is fired in above ground anagama-style wood kilns, although at least one noborigama chamber kiln, many gas kilns, and at least one electric kiln have been used. Ware in Dan Kwian was traditionally fired in two distinct styles, Phao Dam (Thai:เผาดำ), or fired black, and Phao Dang(Thai:เผาดำแดง) fired red. Phao Dam ware was fired to temperatures between approximately 1,200 °C (2,190 °F) and 1,250 °C (2,280 °F). The ware at this temperature became dark brown and vitreous. Phao Dam wares were prized for durability, and lack of porosity. Most notable of these products are the once ubiquitous Dan Kwian water jars.

Starting in about 1972 more decorative ware started to be made in Dan Kwian. At first this decorative ware was simply water jars with decoration carved into the surface. Since then the decorative ware has expanded to include more decorative vessel forms, clay tile, carved ceramic murals, ceramic jewellery, and free standing sculpture. Other media are also now produced in Dan Kwian, most notably cement based carved sandstone replicas.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Cummings, Joe (2001). Thailand. Lonely Planet Publications. p. 580. ISBN 1 86450 251 7.
  2. ↑ Katz, Louis (1991). Traditional Thai Pottery Guide and Dictionary. Louis Katz.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Chiminok, Nikom (2000). Dankwean. Publisher Unknown.