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Benjarong: A Thai Legacy

Benjarong is one of the most colourful and ornate Thai handicrafts. Benjarong literally means ‘five colours’. Five primary colours; black, yellow, red, green and white are blended to create a wide range of secondary colours.
Fine flawless white porcelain is densely painted and delicately detailed with these multi-coloured mineral-based over glaze relief colours. Embellishments with pure gold gives its dazzling attractiveness.
This highly intricate traditional handicraft with a history spanning over 500 years was once exclusively for the royalty.
Requiring the highest level of skill and precision, the crafting process takes several days to complete a single item, as each colour is applied individually and the piece is kiln fired after the application of each colour. Benjarong holds deep cultural significance, reflecting the beauty and artistry of Thai craftsmanship.
Benjarong pieces are perfect as accent pieces for homes or as precious gifts on special occasions.

PROCESS OF MAKING BENJARONG

  1. Fine flawless white porcelain pieces which had been fired at the proper temperature (1150 – 1280 degrees Celcius) for many hours are selected for different items.
  2. Master craftsmen skillfully draw intricate designs on the ceramic by hand using the finest real gold.
  3. The patterns are coloured with high quality ceramic glaze paints. The paints are made from mineral colours and must be well crushed and mixed with water in the proper ratio. Traditionally, the painting is done from the rim to the base. This needs to be done very cautiously so as not to touch the painted areas, as this could cause the colours to smudge before the piece undergoes firing. Pure gold is used as prominent accents to colour the rims and to separate the various colours.
  4. The painted ceramics are then fired in kilns separately for individual colours at 800 to 1000 degrees Celcius for 10 hours. Gold accents are typically applied as a final touch before the final firing further enhancing the design. The gold is masked with a brown medium that burns off during the firing revealing the lustrous gold embellishment. Firing requires precise control of temperature to ensure that the gold and colours shine brightly. In the firing process, the glaze becomes an enamel matrix that is resistant to scratching,
    fading and staining.
  5. Each stage of the process requires exceptional skill, dedication and attention to detail, ensuring the final piece is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Thai art and culture.
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Premium Handcrafted Thai Decor | Kanitthai

Discover exquisite, authentic Thai home décor and handcrafted artefacts at KanitThai. Specializing in natural-material decor, traditional Thai craftsmanship, and unique accent pieces, we bring timeless elegance and cultural richness to your living spaces. From handcrafted vases and lacquerware to intricate wood carvings and benjarong ceramics, our collection celebrates artistry and heritage.

Whether you seek sophisticated statement pieces or perfect gifting solutions, KanitThai offers exclusive, high-quality products made by award-winning Thai artisans. Explore our curated selection today and elevate your home with authentic Thai artistry that blends tradition, luxury, and sustainability.