BEHIND THE CRAFT
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Benjarong: Behind the Craft

The origins of Benjarong trace back to the Ming Dynasty in China, 1368-1644 A.D. About 600 years ago, a princess from China married into the Siam Royal Family and she brought the Benjarong with her. For 500 years, Benjarong was then created exclusively for the Royal Family of Siam (now Thailand).

Benjarong meaning five colours, usually has five or more colours and up to fourteen. Each piece is created in small studios by Thai artisans who have handed down their skills through many generations. The process is painstakingly slow and has not changed for over 400 years. The fine porcelain is first drawn out in great detail by the artist and is then hand painted. It is kiln fired after each colour is applied, then hand adorned with 18 carat gold or platinum and signed by the artist. Every piece is truly one of a kind

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Benjarong Mug M1 Pikul Pattern

£305.00
The East India Company's Benjarong mug range is hand crafted by the finest artisans, using techniques that are centuries old and hand-painted to an intricate pattern of your choice. All Benjarong products are authenticated with the artist's signature.

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£305.00
SPECIFICATION DELIVERY & RETURNS
Product Detail Specification
The production process is only known to a handful of families in Thailand that who have passed it down to through generations spanning many centuries.

The intricacies of how it is made, the colour mixing, application of paints and patterns, are a well-kept secret.

The information you can find on our product pages, are as much as we are allowed to reveal.
Drawing: it begins with circular guide lines on the bone China or Thai porcelain on a turning wheel which is turned by the artist's hand.

Painting: Benjarong was traditionally painted from rim to base in symmetrical patterns. Although Benjarong means 5 colours, up to 14 colours are now used to improve variety in the patterns using paint made from mineral colours.

Quality Control: Only the strictest quality control procedures are employed and the slightest mistake will lead to rejection. Perfection is paramount for this range.
Weight: 0.210 kg
Length: 9.4 cm
Width: 7.7 cm
Height: 9.5 cm

Country of Origin: Thailand

Certification of Authenticity: Included with every purchase, copy required
Benjarong is fragile just like all ceramics so handle with care and you will find they last a lifetime.

- Benjarong contains a metallic gold paint and must therefore never be placed in a microwave oven.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods.
- To avoid scratches, ensure your Benjarong pieces do not rub against hard surfaces. We recommend that plates are stacked with tissues separating them. Do not slide plates over one another, they can scratch, just as one diamond will scratch another.
- To clean a Benjarong dinnerware items, it is advisable to hand wash only as you would with any other bone china.
- Use a plastic basin as a cushion against a hard metal sink.
- Never use abrasive pads, cleaners or scouring agents.
- Don't let your Benjarong sit in the sink or basin for a long period of time.
- Wash separately from other dinnerware e.g. cutlery.
- Do not wash with any silver because any rust from the silver could cause a grey mark on a piece of Benjarong dinnerware item. - It is safe to warm your Benjarong tableware ni an oven provided that you place the Benjarong in a cold oven and heat gradually up to 100 degrees C or, in a gas oven, to gas mark "one qaurter". Alternatively you can warm your Benjarong in a hostess trolleyor on a plate warmer.

Stories

The History of Pikul & Benjarong

This pattern originated during the reign of King Rama II. (1809-1824) Pikul is a flower symbolizing Buddhist lent. These big trees that produce these fragrant flower are often planted in temple grounds. King rama II invited Chinese artists to Siam to teach his craftsmen how to draw on porcelain. This trellised pattern, with its’ geometric shapes can often be seen decorating the walls and ceilings of Thai temples, including the grand palace and many other historical buildings.
This period could be considered the birth of “Benjarong” the Thai form of “5 Color” Style of porcelain over glaze. The Chinese Ming Dynasty “5 color” style had a free form painting style of flowers, butterfly, and birds, while the Thai form developed into it’s tighter geometric deigns.

Our spirit delivers no ordinary products

  • FAQ

    How do I clean my Benjarong products?
    - Do not wash with any silver because any rust from the silver could cause a grey mark on a piece of Benjarong dinnerware item. - To clean a Benjarong dinnerware items, it is advisable to hand wash only as you would with any other bone china.
    - Use a plastic basin as a cushion against a hard metal sink.
    - Never use abrasive pads, cleaners or scouring agents.
    - Don't let your Benjarong sit in the sink or basin for a long period of time.
    - Wash separately from other dinnerware e.g. cutlery.

    How do I know if it's authentic?
    A Certification of Authenticity is included with every purchase.

  • Delivery & Returns

    UK Standard Delivery: £3.95
    UK Next Day Delivery (mainland UK only): £9.95 (Order before 12pm)
    International Delivery is available, please see our delivery page for details. For more information and Terms & Conditions, please see our Delivery page.

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