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benjarong (เบญจรงค์)
Pali-Sanskrit-Thai. ‘Five Colours’.
Name for a type of
enameled
porcelain
historically composed of five colours against a sixth background
colour. Initially produced in
China
for export to Thailand, it later became a local craft,
incorporating distinctively Thai designs. Traditionally,
Benjarong featured five primary colours—black, white, yellow,
red, and green (or indigo). Over time, the craft evolved,
expanding its colour palette and patterns while preserving its
characteristic aesthetic. The origins of Benjarong in Thailand
date back to the late
Ayutthaya Period,
when the kingdom engaged in diplomatic and trade relations with
foreign powers. During the Ban Phlu Luang (บ้านพลูหลวง) Dynasty,
orders were placed with Chinese artisans, who created ceramics
blending Thai and Chinese artistic influences. These intricately
painted wares were highly prized among the royal elite. The
production of Benjarong continued into the
Rattanakosin Period, where
its popularity persisted within the royal court. Siamese
craftsmen were dispatched on trading junks to China to oversee
and refine designs, fostering further innovation and the
development of uniquely Thai motifs. In the 19th century, a
variant known as Benjarong Lai Nam Thong (เบญจรงค์ลายน้ำทอง)
emerged. This exclusive form replaced gold enamel with gold
embellishments, adding to its prestige. However, during the
reign of King
Rama V,
European porcelain styles gained popularity, leading to a
decline in Benjarong's prominence. Later iterations featured
fewer colours and a white background
(fig.),
yet the
manufacturing process (fig.)
remained largely unchanged, and the term ‘Benjarong’ continued
to
apply (fig.).
Despite shifts in artistic trends, Benjarong pottery endures as
a symbol of Thailand’s rich artistic heritage. Once confined to
royal and aristocratic circles, contemporary adaptations have
broadened its accessibility, ensuring its ongoing relevance in
Thai culture. Today, Benjarong exists in various forms,
including plates, cups, pots, and vases. Decorative vases, in
particular, come in a variety of shapes, each with distinct
designations such as
toh chan,
toh phaya kru, and
toh phaya kru juk tat, etc. Also
spelled bencharong.
See also POSTAGE STAMPS (1),
(2)
and
(3),
and
THEMATIC STREET LIGHT
(1) and
(2).
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