For many people, tea time is an important part of the everyday. Thinking of those relaxing moments and determined to spread a little piece of Thailand around the world, artisan Athapol handcrafts a ceramic saucer and cup set, the last one embellished with blue hues and a pineapple pattern.

Product Features: 

• Dimension: 2.3" H x 4.5" W x 3.5" D
• Weight: 0.77
• Color: Blue
• Material: Ceramic
• Made in Thailand

Story Behind the art:
"Attaphon Napawan is my name. I was born in Bangkok in 1965, and I am the family's fourth son. In 1987, I graduated from Thammasat University with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

"My father's family made ceramics in China. Since 1943, he has worked as a ceramicist. Ceramics, porcelain tile, amulets, mining and bricks. An industrial refractory, a ceramic gas kiln, was used. My mother is the daughter of the owner of a jar factory in Ratchaburi (one of Thailand's western regions).

"Making jars, pots, and glazed tiles had positive and negative outcomes. There have been many highs and lows. In 1977, they relocated from Bangkok to Lampang Province to establish a ceramic workshop following the revolutionary coup. From 1985 through 1991, my two brothers and I came to help with the business. Our family owns and operates a ceramics workshop. The creation of the dragon furnace was the first step. This is an antique Chinese kiln with a 24-meter length and two stoves that burn firewood.

"Pots, tiled basins, church roofs, and floor tiles were among the first items we produced. Later, we attempted to build a gas-fueled ceramic kiln, which is thought to be the first kiln built by Thais. The bricks used to construct this furnace were manufactured by us and fired in the dragon kiln.

"Then we started making kitchenware, like hand-painted plates and vases in various hues. Finally, because Lampang province has a significant supply of kaolin for ceramic production, our family decided to establish a business there.

"So far, the most popular items have been traditional Chinese bowls with hand-painted chicken patterns that have become a trademark of Lampang province and are known as the 'Chicken brand bowl'. It's a bowl that fits in your hand, and the shape isn't round and smooth like most dishes. People always use the bowl with rice because they wish to keep their hands together, following Chinese culture.

"We have developed a wider range of items to suit market demands, including Thai-inspired products. The motifs on the zinc lacquerware, for example, are brightly colored flower patterns that the locals used to stencil on ceramic plates in their daily lives. Some patterns emerged from blue stencil designs known as the Pineapple Pattern, which is still seen in Thai restaurants worldwide.

"We also make stuffed animals and other home decorations, but we keep the uniqueness of stenciling to maintain and promote local people's ability to earn a living. We are honored to be requested to submit products for Novica's website."

The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

Imported