The kylin has its origins in Chinese mythology (Chinese chíi-lin) and is one of the chief mythological animals incorporated in not only ceramic decoration, but throughout artistic renderings. The image of the kylin is used to herald or signify the coming of a virtuous ruler, (The Wares of the Ming Dynasty R.L. Hobson. Charles E. Tuttle Co., Tokyo, Japan, 1971.) [and is thereby an important icon for the legitimization of the empirical dynasty.]

Use of the kylin as a decorative symbol in Thai ceramics did not assume the mythical characteristics of the Chinese however; instead, the Thai potter copied the image without regard to its background. As such certain characteristics necessary for the transmission of its mythical signification were altered and emitted. The most obvious change is the drastic alteration of the royal flaming attributes emerging from the neck and shoulders. Shaw is of the opinion that this points to the nativity of the Thai ceramic industry. In Sukhothai there are kiln sites with as many as ten kilns built on top of one another, showing the evolution from river bank kilns to advanced high fire kilns capable of producing stoneware. Shaw is of the opinion that the ability to reach high temperatures in the kilns probably came with the introduction of bronze technology. (This is certainly possibly considering that the Khmer and Burmese to either side of the Thai kingdoms had both bronze and high fire ceramic technology.) In addition not a single found piece of Thai pottery has Chinese writing on it, only classic Thai script adopted from the ancient Mon script has been found. All these are cited by Shaw as support for his argument to the complete nativity of Thai ceramic technology.

[My own opinion about this is for a more fluid understanding of the regions ceramic development. Political boundaries were not rigid in any way. Wars were constantly being waged to gain territory. Dynasties intermarried. Numerous nomadic peoples, now called hill tribes, wandered freely regardless of political borders. And trade was an integral and dynamic part of civilized life, carrying not only products but also technology across borders, if not legally and sanctioned then illegally and as part of a black market. The situation is much the same to day with continued border crossings and skirmishes, and technology both commercial and military sought after everywhere. Whether the Thai obtained their ceramic technology through direct immigration of Chinese potters or not is an academic dispute which will probably never be resolved; however, the fact remains that technology undoubtedly spread across borders be they be Thai, Khmer, Burmese, Srivijaian, or Chinese.]

For the most part Northern wares were produced for an entirely domestic market leaving the export industry to the kiln sites of Sri Satchanelai and Sukhothai to the South.