 Benjarong ceramic jar, 'Pikul Flower'
$429.95
now
on sale! $386.96
Crowned with a golden lotus bud, this Benjarong jar exudes the majestic grace of Thai artistry. Khun Santiparp adorns the ceramic jar by hand, painting myriad pikul flowers within a grid of hypnotic beauty. Symbolizing the Buddhist lent, pikuls are usually planted on temple grounds. The trellised pattern often decorates temple and palace walls throughout Thailand. |
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 Benjarong porcelain vase, 'Pink Lotus'
$162.95
now
on sale! $146.66
Outlined in gold, pink lotus blossoms drift on a serene blue lake. Khun Santiparp depicts the delicate flowers on an exquisite Benjarong vase. Wide expanses of white enhance its sense of serenity. |
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 Benjarong porcelain urn, 'Colorful Khod'
$219.95
now
on sale! $197.96
Exotic flowers blossom in a feast of color, their petals opening in celebration of life-lived, adorning this extraordinary urn. The blooms decorate the sky blue background in joyful form, for ancient Thai custom would have the ashes of a dearly departed deposited in a similar khod (urn or casket). The khod would then be placed upon the home's altar to inspire devoted prayer. Khun Santiparp masterfully creates this piece, resplendent in Benjarong porcelain excellence. 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 1800's, 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 bright, 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. "First, I knead a mixture of kaolin [white clay mixed with feldspar and quartz] and 40% bone ashes," Santiparp explains. "After hand-shaping the desired piece on the wheel, I let it dry completely before firing it for five to six hours at 800eC. Then I glaze it with a mixture of burnt lime, wood ashes, and other secret natural materials of my own. This time I fire the piece at 1,280 eC, for twelve to thirteen and when totally cooled, I over-glaze the piece with gild and enamel painting. I draw the entire surface by hand, one color at a time. The shapes and motifs are gentle, graceful, and humbly crafted after Oriental styles. I fire the piece a third time in the kiln for five to six hours at 700eC to 800eC. Nowadays I use modern electric kilns to fire a few pieces every day since the temperature can be controlled which in turn results in fewer misfires." Each piece is stamped with evidence of origin prior to the last firing, featuring the Pan and Peace logo identifying Santiparpes family workshop. Clean with a damp, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive solutions. Benjarong porcelain is not dishwasher safe. |
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 Benjarong porcelain jar, 'Jasmine'
$97.95
now
on sale! $88.16
Jasmine blossoms delicately on bands of blue, surrounding this piece with an ethereal beauty. Alternating with the flowers, golden ivy flourishes on crimson. Khun Santiparp works in Benjarong porcelain to create this exquisite jar. Evoking a pagoda, it features a tall, slender lid. |
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 Urn, 'Golden Stupa'
$69.95
now
on sale! $62.96
Like a temple tower shimmering under the golden sun, this Benjarong stupa glistens with blossoming buds. The piece is inspired by Buddhist custom, where stupas are dome-shaped mounds used as shrines. Khun Santiparp works with a team of skilled artisans in the perpetuation of Thailand's Benjarong legacy, and together they handcraft this admirable piece, imbued the delicate aesthetic grace of the past. "First, I knead a mixture of kaolin [white clay mixed with feldspar and quartz] and 40% bone ashes," Santiparp explains. "After hand-shaping the desired piece on the wheel, I let it dry completely before firing it for five to six hours at 800eC. Then I glaze it with a mixture of burnt lime, wood ashes, and other secret natural materials of my own. This time I fire the piece at 1,280 eC, for twelve to thirteen hours and when totally cooled, I over-glaze the piece with gild and enamel painting. I draw the entire surface by hand, one color at a time. The shapes and motifs are gentle, graceful, and humbly crafted after Oriental styles. I fire the piece a third time in the kiln for five to six hours at 700eC to 800eC. Nowadays I use modern electric kilns to fire a few pieces every day since the temperature can be controlled which in turn results in fewer misfires." Each piece is stamped with evidence of origin prior to the last firing, featuring the Pan and Peace logo identifying Santiparpes family workshop. Benjarong takes its name from the Sanskrit words panch and rang, meaning "five colors," frequently including red, yellow, white, green and blue. Benjarong porcelain originates 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 1300's, 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 bright, 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. |
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 Benjarong porcelain jar, 'Temple of the Flowers'
$384.95
now
on sale! $346.46
Floral bouquets in brilliant colors grace a gilded jar. Evoking a Thai temple, its lid rises in a tall, slender spire. Khun Santiparp works in Benjarong porcelain to create this exquisite design. It features the Thai lai nam thong, or "gold washed design." |
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