I saw this article at Thai Asia Today .com
(http://www.thaiasiatoday.com/art--culture/art--culture/ceramics-museum-forged-by-academic-philanthropist.html) and want to share it with everyone
Surat Osathanugrah, the founder of Bangkok University, first began collecting ceramics in the 1950s. His generosity became apparent after he decided to donate works from his own collection to the Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum, which he established at the university in 2005 The museum's curator, Pariwat Thammapreechakorn, says the collections on display are mainly Thai ceramics produced during the 14th and 16th centuries. There are also examples of Burmese, Chinese, and Khmer ceramics, each rare and valuable in terms of their origin.
The museum provides basic information and examples of ceramics in different categories. Lots of examples of earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain are on display, which differ according to the kind of clay used, the method of production used, the kiln site where they originate, or in terms of the decorative finish.
Several different forms of glazing can be compared thanks the inclusion of various examples highlighting different kinds of finish, including underglaze, monochrome (single color) and celadon. In terms of form, there are plenty of interesting examples, including bottles, spouted jars (known as Kendi in Indonesia), storage jars, or other forms, which also include a brief general information on the origin of each piece on display.
Rare examplesThere are a couple sets of Burmese ceramics (from the 15-16th centuries) and Khmer ceramics (from the Angkorian Period [or 9-13th centuries]), representing a tribute to Mon and Khmer cultural wisdoms in the art of pottery. The 'piece de resistance', which you won't find anywhere else, is a Khmer jar featuring an elephant with its mahout on board. This is considered the rarest of its kind due to the inclusion of a depiction of traditional Khmer plays on its sides. The jar, which is also in excellent condition, was found near Ban Tak in Tak province. It stands 30.2-centimeters tall and is thought to have been produced at a kiln in Buriram province in the 11th century.
There are several ways to identify the origin of particular ceramics and the kilns where they were produced. At one time, there were numerous kiln sites in the north of Thailand, and the museum has managed to locate plenty of examples for display, including items produced in kilns located at Wiang Bua (Phayao province, 14th century), San Kamphaeng (Chiang Mai province, 14-15th centuries), Wang Nua Kilns (Lampang province, 14-15th centuries), Wiang Kalong – Payoom group (Chiang Rai province, 15-16th centuries), Phan (Chiang Rai province, 15-16th centuries), and Boh Suak (Nan province, 14-15th centuries).
The museum also features ceramics produced at kilns in Si Satchanalai in Sukhothai province. The Si Stachanalai-Ko Noi group of kilns operated during the 15th century, whereas the Si Satchanalai–Pa Yang group of kilns operated during the 16th century. According to Pariwat, Sawankhalok and Si Satchanalai are interchangeable names. Sawankhalok was the district name at the time the kilns were first identified in the late 19th century, while the name Si Stachanalai, referring also to Si Satchanalai Historical Park, is a more modern reference.
The oldest collection in the museum is prehistoric earthenware found at Ban Chiang in Lop Buri province. Examples from this collection date back as far back as 3,000 BC. The museum also features one of the rarest dishes produced during China's Ming era. Eighteen Burmese, Chinese, Khmer, Thai, and Vietnamese storage jars are also on display in a three-story case, through which visitors can compare and contrast their various shapes, designs, and other details.
The museum also provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the significance of ceramics with regard to trade, highlighting six periods of Thai ceramics in chronological order, covering 1368-1580.
The Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum was established with the aim to provide an accurate source of knowledge for students and the public regarding ceramics in Thailand and Southeast Asia. At one corner of the museum is a 'Hand Hole' display. This allows visitors to actually feel the various ceramics on display. The museum also plans to provide several other useful services relating to ceramics, including a specialist library, ceramic restoration services, as well as organizing special exhibitions.
The Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum is located at Bangkok University's Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani province. It opens Tuesday through Saturday during 9 am-4 pm. For further information, call Tel: +66 (0)2 902 0299, extension 2890.
Transport connections:
Bus: Frequent rot dtoo (minibus) services run from the Phahol Yothin side of Victory Monument to Bangkok University's Rangsit campus via expressway. To reach Victory Monument from other parts of the city, you can hop on a BTS skytrain and hop off at the station bearing the same name.
