Pottery is the oldest home appliance and food container still in use. Its important role in history endures, with the world's different regions producing their own brands and styles.
Thailand has discovered its own fair share of ancient artefacts. In the historic city of Si Satchanalai, findings of earthenware dating back 700 years have been made. Fragments of hundreds of dishes, bowls, cups, jars, lanterns and even dolls provide clues to the way of life during the early Sukhothai period. From studying the fragments, archaeologists can determine the evolution of production techniques used to produce the pottery.
The pottery discovered in Si Satchanalai was produced in a nearby town, which was known as Tao Tu Rieng. In many northern provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao, ancient pottery has been discovered, each with its own distinct patterns and designs. The pottery typically took the name of the place where it was found, such as Wieng Ka Long pottery, San Kam Pheng pottery and Wieng Wang Nua pottery and more.
A saucepan by Piral terracotta cookware from Italy, which is modern, sexy, but expensive.
Despite the difference in patterns, the sculpting and coating techniques are very similar. The first baking is done at 900-1,000C. The re-baking with its ready-coated texture is cooked at over 1,200C. The coating liquid is responsible for producing the different colours based on which tree was used during the production process. Ash is mixed with water and soil, filtered, and then filmed over the pottery's surface. Green, perhaps the most beautiful and iconic colour, comes from the ash of teak wood.
As history progressed, so did the production of pottery, making items more durable. A piece's texture is formatted based on its purpose or use. For example, thicker layers of clay are used to increase the durability of heavy use items, like jars and pots, while softer, thinner layers are used for dishes, bowls and cups.
The process of baking is simple. Leave the finished pottery to dry. After that, group the items together while placing hay on top. Set up a fire and keep it burning until the baking process is complete. This kind of baking, which is known as terracotta, needs low heat with 600-800C. Uncoated pottery retains its pure clay colour but is less durable. It also is quite fragile and should be used quite carefully.
For cooking rice, place it in a clay pot with a suitable amount of water and leave it on mild heat until the rice is ready to eat. But rice often attaches itself to the pot, making it a pain to clean.
In modern times, the clay terracotta process is less popular for home use, but throughout Asia, many restaurants still utilise the old techniques as a way to pique their customers' interest. For example, clay pots, used especially for hot and spicy Isan food, is popular at establishments that specialise in the cuisine.
Clay pot cooking has remained an enduring tradition in China. The Chinese also use clay pots for producing traditional medicine, believing the earthenware produces a higher-quality product. Moreover, the pots are best at retaining heat for certain dishes, such as shrimp baked with vermicelli and fried mixed vegetables.
A popular soup in China is chicken mixed with herbs where a clay pot is placed inside a larger pot boiling water. The steam from boiling water ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Japan has an outstanding culture of pottery for kitchenware as well -- regarded as high-class culture. Many dishes are served in a small clay oven for keeping it always hot. India has larger numbers of pottery items for kitchenware than it has people. Many types of dishes are made by firing on a clay pan.
In Italy, the country's premium brand Piral produces an expensive terracotta cookware line. The clay kitchenware is designed for stovetop cooking, or baking.
All are marvellous examples of pottery. Cooking with pottery has a rich and charming history but it also passes the taste test. Don't hesitate to add it to your culinary collection.
Thai-style clay pot for steaming rice and boiling food.
Thai kitchenware inspired by pottery from Si Satchanalai.
