Pair of 1980s Thai Benjarong Lidded Porcelain Jars Hand Painted and Gilded

Description

20th c., a stunning pair of large Thai Benjarong lidded porcelain jars, vibrantly enameled by hand and embellished with 18 … more 20th c., a stunning pair of large Thai Benjarong lidded porcelain jars, vibrantly enameled by hand and embellished with 18 carat gold. One marked on underside "Hand Painted in Thailand". The quality of these pieces is wonderful and they are very tactile.

Enamel colors are applied by hand and then overglazed, creating a charming swelling effect over the surface of each piece. The design is named after the decoration base name and a background color (for example, Phum Kao Bin on dark blue). The production process is incredibly labour-intensive as each color is applied individually by an artist and the piece is kiln fired after the application of each colour. The long firing process brightens the colors of the finished piece and adds to the final beauty. The piece is then carefully embellished in 18 carat gold and lovingly polished to create a truly wonderful, tactile piece of decorative tableware or ornamental art.

History
Benjarong origins go back to the Ming dynasty of China. During the reign of Xuande Emperor (1425-1435 A.D.) Benjarong was invented in the Zhejiang province. But, it only started to be popular during the reign of Chenghua Emperor (1464-1487 A.D.). Around 600 years ago, a princess from China married into the Siam dynasty and she brought Benjarong back with her to Siam (nowadays Thailand). At that time Benjarong porcelain was created only for the Emperor of China’s use. But, from that time Benjarong was then supplied from China to the kings of Siam for several generations.

Siam began to make porcelain after they discovered Kaolin clay which is one of the main materials of Benjarong. Benjarong was first made in Thailand was during reign of King Rama V. He also allowed it to be used by his aristocracy and influential merchants. Benjarong also started becoming more widely produced and accessible to the public. But it soon fell out of favor, and porcelain production eventually ceased.

It would now exist only as an antiquity if not for a village that, in the 1980s, saw an opportunity to revive the art form. Located about 19 miles west of Bangkok, Don Kai Dee has grown to become what Atthasit Sukkham, assistant curator of the Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum at Bangkok University, describes as the sole source of authentic Benjarong.

Today, Benjarong is available to buy due to King Rama IX’s permission.

Dimensions:
11"h x 8.75"dia

Condition:
Good, no visible chips, cracks, or repairs

Provenance:
A Private Collection: 1111 Park Avenue, NYC less