Mengraikilns Rop Company

In 1973, a small factory was founded in Chiangmai with the object of producing high-fired stoneware with a translucent cracked glaze known as "CELADONS". This glaze is of compounded silt from a paddy field and of wood ash, fired to its traditional colour in a reduction atmosphere at a temperature of between 1,260 and 1,300 C. The process is reputed to have been first developed in China about 2,000 years ago. The intention was to keep an ancient craft alive by drawing inspiration from antique celadons made at various places in what is now Northern Thailand, in particular at Sawankhaloke, Srisatchanalai, Sukothai and San Kamphaeng, as well as antique wares from China. Nowadays, the products of MENGRAI KILNS enjoy a global reputation. Much of what is made is exported; the operation is deliberately kept on a small scale, to facilitate personal supervision in order to maintain and improve quality. As far as possible, traditional materials and methods remain in use. Only some thirty-nine craftsmen and women are employed at the factory, and each is a creative artist in his or her own right. They are pround of their skills, and sign each piece which they make. Other marks on the foot of each piece, besides the MENGRAI KILNS logo, are the ROYAL Initial of His Majesty the King of Thailand, followed by a number to indicate the year of His Majesty's Reign in which the piece was created. Three other small numerals, running from 001 to 365, indicate the exact day for the year.