Benjarong History

Benjarong is traditional thai five basic colors style pottery. All people in thailand used is for gifts and show in their home in office. Thai people always buy it for present during thai new year because it's very beautiful. These benjarong products can only be made by hand. When people see this product they know this is thai.

You can use Benjarong to make your house pretty or you can use for everyday use . Benjarong is product that everybody know and that everyone is very proud of These date back to the 18th centry when they were only made for the thai royal family. They are still associated with royality and are held in high reguard. Benjarong is the type of product anyone would be very pleased to recieve.

These have been in production for hundreds of years and takes great talent to make Benjarong. Only a very few select artists can make these and it takes them days just to complete a single items. It can take up to 15 years just to prefect the art of Benjarong. Only will a professional be hand crafting such items for sale. A unique and hard to find item that is always sure to please.

History of Benjarong

A Refined Art Form

Benjarong porcelain represents a high form of craftsmanship in Thai traditional arts, a skill that has been meticulously passed down through generations. Over time, this craft has evolved, allowing Benjarong products to penetrate global markets swiftly. This success is due to the inherent value of the product, with its use of gold and the unique artistic merit that is difficult to find elsewhere in the world.

Purpose of Production

The purpose of Benjarong production today differs from that of the past. In ancient times, Benjarong items were crafted exclusively for the upper class. Today, Thai Benjarong has become popular among both Thais and foreigners, who purchase these items for home decoration or as gifts, souvenirs, and tokens of appreciation.

History of Benjarong Craftsmanship

The art of making Benjarong is a traditional Thai craft that dates back to ancient times. Historically, Thai Benjarong porcelain was commissioned in China, based on Thai designs and motifs. Thai artisans would travel to oversee the production, ensuring the distinctively Thai aesthetic. During the Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods (18th and 19th centuries), the Thai royal court ordered Benjarong pieces from Jingdezhen and from kilns in Fujian and Guangdong. Benjarong produced in Jingdezhen was particularly favored for royal use due to its fine and durable clay, along with the artisans’ skill in creating intricate designs.

Originally, Benjarong was painted with just three colors, but later it developed into a five-colored style, incorporating white, yellow, black, red, and green (indigo). The term “Benjarong” thus refers to ceramic wares painted with five colors. Today, over 30 colors can be used. Benjarong pieces are known for their five-colored patterns, including designs such as the “Kranok” motif, “Pum Khao Bin” pattern, “Theppanom” (celestial being), “Narasingha” (mythical lion-man), along with floral patterns, animal motifs, and scenes from the Ramakien epic. These motifs reflect local wisdom, culture, beliefs, and the way of life of the Thai people.

Gold-Lacquered Porcelain

Gold-lacquered porcelain involves the same enameling technique as Benjarong, but it features patterns painted in gold. This style gained significant popularity during the reign of King Rama II of the Rattanakosin period. Initially, gold-lacquered porcelain was commissioned from China, and later, similar products were imported from Japan.

Evolution of Benjarong and Gold-Lacquered Porcelain

Benjarong and gold-lacquered porcelain designs have been continuously refined, with new motifs and shapes being developed, such as lotus-shaped bowls with white or sea-green interiors without patterns. During the early Rattanakosin period, designs evolved from earlier styles, featuring various jars adorned with intricate motifs like the Rajasri (royal lion), Garuda, Narasingha, Kinnaree, and Hanuman, often combined with flame and spiral patterns.

Queen Sri Suriyendra, during the reign of King Rama II (1809-1824), was a major patron of gold-lacquered porcelain, promoting its use within the royal court. The motifs included the “Kranok” pattern, floral designs, vine motifs, “Krua Thao” patterns, Garuda, Kinnaree, celestial beings, giants, and mythical creatures from the Himmapan forest, as well as realistic animals. Popular patterns from that era included roses, peonies, and the “four-season flowers,” which are considered auspicious.

Research has found that during the reign of King Rama II, Lao Viengchan and Lao Phuan families migrated to settle within the kingdom, particularly in Chachoengsao Province, where Benjarong bowls were often bestowed upon Lao noble families.

Benjarong in Religious Ceremonies

Benjarong featuring the “Theppanom” motif is often used in religious offerings, known as the “Benjarong Bai Sri Pak Cham” set, which consists of a Benjarong bowl for holding Bai Sri (offering trays). Benjarong pieces with Chinese-inspired designs later became popular, featuring patterns such as “Four-Season Flowers,” butterflies, bats, dragonflies, gardenias, and various others.

Benjarong in the Reign of King Rama V

During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of the Rattanakosin period, Benjarong was produced in Japan and imported into Thailand. However, it did not gain widespread popularity and was only available for a brief period. Collectors of the time referred to these pieces as “Japanese Benjarong.”

Benjarong Today

Today, Benjarong has regained popularity, with both Thai and international customers using Benjarong pieces as home decor. Benjarong is cherished as a unique and elegant souvenir or gift, known for its beauty and high value, especially for special occasions like wedding gifts.