Elephant-Themed Celadon Ceramic Mug from Thailand, "Playful Elephants"

Duangkamol's mother sent her to study ceramics with an elder master. From him, she learned the basics but, with diligence, she has mastered this art herself. For Duangkamol, every batch of ceramics is a lesson. She eschews the chemicals common to modern celadon production, preferring instead to use the ancient natural process for glazing. This process is difficult to control. Her 100 percent natural glazes are made from wood ash and straw ash. These materials have been used for generations to define the distinctive crackle particular to celadon. Her workshop is a celadon laboratory with skills handed generously back and forth from master to student and from worker to worker.

The ceramists who work with Duangkamol range in age from 25 to more than 70, and most of them have been with her for years. They enjoy their work and are happy to have a good income. She strives for a stress free work environment. Duangkamol credits the steady orders she receives from Novica customers with reducing her personal stress, and she now feels more free to focus on her art.

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.