The Benjarong is Thailand's priceless contribution to Asian pottery. Once the prized possession of royal palaces and upper class Thais, it is today, pride and perfection of ancient Thai craftsmanship.
But what exactly is Benjarong and why have such magical qualities in beauty and serenity? Read on to unravel the history and performance of this masterpiece of antiquity.
Benjarong History
During the period early Ayutthaya (1350 – 1767), Thai artisans made a somewhat crude multi-colored clay now known as Benjarong – a term based on the words panch Sanskrit, ie, five, and rang, ie colors, therefore, literally, referring to the 'five colors. The style of painting in various colors enamels on a white porcelain was influenced by the Ming dynasty of China, and in the 17th century, the Benjarong became a household exclusive possession of the rulers and the nobility – marking a period in which they occurred Benjarongs high quality with exclusive designs in Thailand. Added color glazes melt the enamel on the surface on a sliding scale of temperatures. The Benjarongs were also decorated with swirls of fire, the grounds and Thailand thepanoms style, or celestial beings. These became exclusively for the royal household as utilitarian objects, such as rice bowls, motherboards and water jugs covered. Soon after, the artisans applied 12 or 18 carat gold Benjarongs to improve their appearance.
The Making a Benjarong
Making the Benjarong is a long and difficult process that requires great patience and complete dedication. A heat treatment is necessary to extend the order after it is done, and again after the hand painting is done. The drying process of hand painting can not be accelerated by using a fan or blower, as this prevents the fusion of colors in ceramics.
The process:
1.The pottery is handmade in the specific size and shape.
2.The ceramic ware is heated above 500 degrees for more 6-7 hours.
3.A few hours devoted to polishing the fired ceramic smoothing.
4.A thin layer of enamel is applied in smoothing pottery.
5.The ceramics is heated again to give a glass surface and polished.
6.A craftsman then hand-painted some designs on polished ceramic ware.
Color should be 7.Every completely dry in order to apply a new color, taking hours or days to complete.
8.The hand painted finish on the ceramic is left to dry for another 6 hours.
9.The painted pottery is heated again over 500 degrees for 5-6 hours, as this ensures that the colors blend into the Benjarong.
The Benjarong today is one of the most popular types of ceramics in Thailand. Known as the most exquisite hand-painted designs, it is surprising that these masterpieces are exclusively produced by only the most talented and highly skilled Thai artisans.
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