By Nida Tunsuttiwong

Today we’re paying a visit to Ratchaburi province, home to the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market and also the site of a wonderful production center called Tao Hong Tai, where large glazed water jars - known as dragon jars - are produced along with colorful contemporary-style terracotta and ceramic products.

Tao Hong Tai, which is one of the oldest ceramic factories in the province, was established by two Chinese immigrants called Tai Song Hong and Er Jer Ming, who first entered the kingdom during the 1930s. They were attracted to the province due to the abundance of high quality clay found in the area. Tao Seng Lee (‘successful and wealthy ceramic factory’) was established by the pair with a group of friends and they began by producing small ceramic containers for fish sauce and large jars, commonly referred to as rain jars.


New Ventures
In 1943, Tai Song Hong and Er Jer Ming decided to break away from the group that founded the original company with them and they called their latest venture Tao Sae Tai (‘Thai Ceramic Factory’). During this period they designed and produced their first dragon-patterned jar (see photo, right), which went on to become one of the province’s most popular products. In 1954, Tai Song Hong established Tao Hong Tai (‘Hong’s Ceramic Factory’), which continues to produce the jars right up to the present day, while also developing new products.


I was actually quite surprised to discover that a trip to Tao Hong Tai could be such fun – it felt more like a theme park in many ways with its impressive displays of colorful products, ranging from flower pots right up to clay-based furniture items.


Near the entrance to the compound, I discovered a traditional Thai home (see photo, left), where a large number of ceramic items are on display. On the second floor of the same building are collections of ceramic products, specially produced for use by members of the Royal family on special occasions. Heading back down to the first floor, you'll notice that there is also a small coffee shop, which brews top quality coffees and is decorated with colorful ceramic items.


While many coffee shops choose to write menu items on a chalkboard, this outlet uses letters made from pottery, adding an original touch to the outlet's overall presentation.


The Great Outdoors
Tao Hong Tai products are on display throughout the compound's extensive gardens. You'll find all sorts of products, including tables and chairs and even a recliner that's made entirely of clay. These items are available in a range of different colors, designs and sizes.


Pongsak Supanichvoraparch, a grandson of Tai Song Hong, who is currently responsible for taking care of the family business, told me that visitors can purchase any of the items on display, or even order 'tailor made' products, based on their favorite colors or patterns. In short, the factory has the capability to produce something based on your own personal design - turning your dreams into reality.


Rising Stars
As Pongsak showed our group around the substantial production site, we came across another exhibition area near the factory's entrance, which displays the work of students trained in this field. Among the products found here are a number of highly-creative designs, including a ceramic necklace, a pendant and even a lamp, featuring unique shapes and a kind of Thai-style angel dressed in a futuristic, robot-style outift.


Inside the factory, you'll find numerous skilled craftsmen and women hard at work. We saw, for example, a potter with over 20 years' experience, who was crafting the base of a large jar, without the use of a slab roller. Yet he was able to successfully achieve his aims in just a matter of minutes, while his workmate was carefully applying paint to a large rain jar.


Finishing Touches
On completion, products are hardened by means of a traditional-style kiln, which uses wood found lying within the compound as fuel. Pongsak points out that the company also operates a more modern, gas-powered kiln in order to meet its production requirements.

Since the older kiln was not been used, we were able to explore this area in greater detail, which was of great interest. Ponsak noted that while the original kiln retains its usefulness, the more modern apparatus allows for better control of the temperature and therefore ensures a better standard of production quality overall.

For further information, contact +66(0)3 233 7574, send an e-mail to info@thtceramic.com, or visit Tao Hong Tai’s official website at http://www.thtceramic.com.

Special thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for hosting TANNetwork.tv during this visit.


Transport Connections:
Tao Hong Tai is located at 234/1 Jedeechak Road, Ratchaburi 70000.

Car: From Bangkok, take Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) to Ratchaburi province's Chedi Hak subdistrict in Muaeng district.

Once you cross an intersection where Highway 4 intersects with Route 3087, drive for another kilometer or so and you will soon find Tao Hong Tai on your left-hand side.


source: Tannetwork.tv