CERAMICS are one of Thailand's major exports. There are many ceramic factories in our country, especially in the Northern provinces of Chieng Mai, Lampang and Lamphun. Making ceramics is an interesting process. Firstly, the clay is treated to make it strong and into a kiln, a special oven, for firing at a temperature of 800 degrees centigrade. This is called \'biscuit\' firing because when it comes out of the oven it is baked like a biscuit (or cookie). The coloured glaze is then applied and the piece is put back in the kiln for a second firing at 1,250 degrees celcius. This gives it its shiny appearance and makes it strong and firm. Making ceramics, or pottery, is one of the most ancient crafts in the world. It required great care and concentration and skill. Unlike paint, the coloured glaze is transparent and will not hide any faults in the making. Each piece is unique, with its own distinct characteristics. The most famous Thai ceramic is Benjarong, based on five basic colours. Benjarong pottery is known for its delicate hand-painted patterns. It was first developed in the late Ayutthaya period over 200 years ago. A Lanna Ceramics exhibition was held recently at the River City in Bangkok. It attracted ceramic manufacturers, and potters from many parts of the country. The exhibition featured a full range of ceramic products from the North. There were picture frames, table lamps, kitchenware and all kinds of ornaments. The highlight was an elegant and colourful Lanna ceremonial processsion on the opening day, and shoppers found the ceramic items on display impossible to resist.
The "biscuit"firing refers to... .
baking a biscuit in a special oven
firing the clay in a special oven at 800 degrees celcius
making the clay strong and able to stand up pressure
making the clay into the required shape.
"This gives it its shiny appearance... ." The underlined word refers to... .
the coloured glaze
the kiln or special oven
applying the coloured glaze to the piece
firing the piece for the second time
The coloured glaze is different from the paint in that... .
it is transparent
it hides faults in the making
it can be baked in the oven
it is shiny
"Each piece is unique, with its own distinct characteristics." The underlined part means... .
it is difficult to find each piece
each piece is beautiful
there is only one piece of its kind
each piece has no fault
"It was first developed in the late Ayutthaya period... ." The underlined word refers to... .
Benjarong pottery
basic colour
delicate pattern
ancient craft
Benjarong pottery is famous for... .
five basic colours
being one of the most ancient crafts
its interesting process
its delicate hand-painted patterns
Shoppers who visited the exhibition... .
preferred picture frames and table lamps
couldn't help buying the ceramic items on display
refused to buy the ceramic items on display
did not enjoy the Lanna ceremonial procession
"The highlight was an elegant and colourful... ." The underlined word means... .
