Benjarong porcelain jar, 'Golden Vines'

A work of sublime elegance, this Benjarong jar adorns with millenary artistry. The off-white porcelain surface is adorned with a floral lace of gold thus Khun Santiparp calls this piece Khian Tong (Gold Drawing). The jar's domed lid adds arresting magnificence to the piece. Benjarong takes its name from the Sanskrit words panch and rang, meaning "five colors" which frequently include red, yellow, white, green, and blue. It originated in China, and came to Thailand as part of the dowry of Chinese princesses. It soon found favor by Thai aristocrats and the wealthy by the 1300s, during the Ming Dynasty, the Kings of Thailand ordered Benjarong from Chinese potters. Eventually, in the early 1800s, during the reign of King Rama II, Thai artisans began producing Benjarong for the Royal Court with a slight variation, which they named lai nam thong (gold washed design) whereupon liquid gold was used to outline the admirable patterns that would grace the Benjarong porcelain pieces. The popularity of Benjarong increased with the rise of a wealthy merchant and aristocratic elite, and eventually these wares became reasonably affordable. Clean with a damp, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive solutions. Benjarong porcelain is not dishwasher safe.