“My father's knowledge of ceramics is invaluable and should not be lost from this world.” This is the heartfelt sentiment of Khun Mothana Boonkong, heir to the “Mothana Ceramic” shop. It is a ceramic shop in Sukhothai, and even though she graduated with an engineering degree, one day she discovered that what was valuable and made her life happy was right in her own home.
"Mothana Ceramic was established on November 30, 1999, by my father and mother, who both loved pottery and wanted to preserve Sukhothai pottery. My father studied ceramics at the Lampang Ceramic Center in 2000. Before that, he worked as a rock blasting contractor with my grandfather, but he eventually quit because my mother and I were allergic to dust. As for myself, I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kasetsart University, Bang Khen. After graduating, I had the same idea as many others: I wanted to live the life I desired, with a good job, money, and freedom. So I worked as an engineer in Bangkok for over three years. But eventually, due to the economic situation and the stress of being an engineer, my health deteriorated progressively until I had to see a doctor and take anti-stress medication.
"What followed, which I would call a good thing for myself, was that it made me realize that life is uncertain. My parents were getting older every day. I should be with them, spend time together, so I wouldn't regret it later. And most importantly, looking at what my father did made me realize that his knowledge of ceramics was invaluable and should not be lost from this world. But it was knowledge that I myself needed time and experience to learn. So I left my job and returned to focus on Mothana Ceramic.”
Highlights of Mothana Ceramic products
“Our products blend inspiration from Sangkhalok ceramics with Mothana's unique identity. The glazing techniques, firing methods, and clay primarily utilize local materials, which means common local stoneware. For glazes, we use high-fire oxide glazes. The glazes made at our workshop are our own unique formulas, now characteristic of Mothana.
"Currently, our brand focuses on our own design style, emphasizing simplicity to ensure customers can truly use them and use them well, such as being comfortable to hold, light, easy to wash, not heavy enough to worry about dropping and breaking. We also incorporate the unique glazes of our brand. Occasionally, we may produce some art pieces. Some pieces are inspired by pottery and Sangkhalok ware. Sometimes we draw patterns or use underglaze painting. We are not tied to traditional pieces; we create whatever we feel inspired to create."
And of course, being in Sukhothai, which is known for its ceramics and pottery, most of Mothana Ceramic’s raw materials come from the local area.
“Every piece we create is made from stoneware clay, fired at temperatures ranging from 1250 to 1280 degrees Celsius, resulting in high-quality, food-grade ceramics. Initially, we purchased white clay from Lampang. However, due to the deteriorating economy and loss of income, we had to find a solution. So, we tried digging up clay from our own backyard, and it turned out to be suitable. The quality of the selected clay was determined through our own experiments: it was sticky, didn't tear when shaped, didn't collapse on the potter's wheel, and was fire-resistant. When fired to 1280 degrees, the clay didn't bloat or collapse, and it had no adverse effects on the glaze.
"Our customers include those who want to buy products for use and home decoration, so most of our work is custom orders for food containers, coffee cups, teapots, bowls, and dishes. In addition, we create art pieces that I personally enjoy. As for products that are considered household staples for international tourists, we offer magnets of Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai Historical Park. When customers purchase products, we also advise them on how to care for and clean ceramics. They can simply wash them with dish soap like regular dishes and use a towel to wipe off water stains."
From selling ceramic products to becoming a knowledge-sharing space
Since the opening of Mothana Ceramic in 1999, the brand has expanded to offer many courses for those who wish to learn pottery skills.
"We offer workshops for freehand sculpting, pattern drawing, or courses for professional development. There are three courses to choose from: Freehand Pattern Drawing Workshop (500 baht/person/2 hours), Clay Sculpting Workshop (excluding pottery wheel) (500 baht/person/2 hours), and a comprehensive 5-day full-format Ceramic Fundamentals Workshop, covering everything from preparing your own clay to shaping and firing the pieces. These courses are available with options for tuition only, or inclusive of accommodation and meals.
“Additionally, you can order our work through Facebook: Mothana Ceramic and Instagram >> Mothana Ceramic (@mothanaceramic.official). Shipping fees apply based on size and delivery method.
“If you ever visit Sukhothai, please stop by Mothana Ceramic.”
Note: You can find us on Google Maps by typing "Mothana Ceramic," which will lead you directly to our doorstep. Alternatively, from Tan Tia Intersection, if coming from Phitsanulok, turn right; if from Tak, turn left. Then, drive straight for about 5 kilometers, and our shop will be on your right-hand side, by the road. A landmark to look for is the Petroleum gas station on your right, just before our shop.