Tracing the history “Chicken Brand Bowls” A legendary kitchenware item over 100 years old, originating in China, then spreading to Lampang Province, where it developed into a recognized GI product.
When mentioning food containers long associated with Thai daily life, especially in noodle shops or traditional eateries, many are familiar with the “ Chicken Brand Bowl ” or “ Chicken Bowl ” distinguished by patterns of fighting cocks, peony flowers, and banana trees. Behind this seemingly simple bowl lies a history spanning more than a century, originating from Chinese pottery before being introduced to Thailand and developed in Lampang into a symbol reflecting the province’s ceramic craftsmanship.
“Chicken Brand Bowls” originated in China and became popular in Thailand.
began more than 100 years ago in Guangdong Province, the traditional center for Chinese-style ceramic bowls. Initially, these bowls were plain white without decoration. Later, Teochew Chinese artisans painted patterns and applied color glazes, creating the familiar Chicken Brand Bowls that were widely exported. At first, the bowls were plain white with no designs, then they were painted and glazed in the nearby Pang Khoi subdistrict, producing the chicken-patterned bowls that were subsequently sold to overseas Chinese communities in various countries, including Thailand.
When Chinese immigrants settled and worked in Thailand, they brought with them pottery knowledge and the tradition of chicken-patterned bowls, which gradually became popular and familiar in Thai society.
Meaning behind the images on the Chicken Brand Bowls
white clay ideal for making pottery and ceramics. With suitable raw materials and skilled craftsmen, Lampang gradually became a major ceramics production hub in Thailand, and Chicken Brand Bowls became a product that brought renown to the province.
A defining feature of “
Lampang Chicken Bowls ” is their durability and form, available in white or cream shades with either clear or opaque glaze. They are hand-painted with images of fighting cocks, peonies, and banana trees. The production process and artisans’ skills have been passed down and refined, becoming a local wisdom deeply connected to Lampang. September 12 each year is “Lampang Chicken Bowl Day.”
“Lampang Chicken Brand Bowls” have been registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) product by the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce. This certifies that the bowls produced in Lampang possess unique qualities derived from their natural geographic source and local craftsmanship. Every year on September 12, a celebration called “
Lampang Chicken Brand Bowl Day ” honors the GI registration granted in 2013, marking international trade laws’ recognition of the quality and reputation of these bowls produced in the region. GI registration helps preserve local wisdom and adds value to the community. Nowadays, Chicken Brand Bowls are not only food containers but also souvenirs, collectibles, and ceramic artworks reflecting the cultural link between Chinese and Thai traditions.