Royal Benjarong Gilded Porcelain Box

Royal Benjarong Gilded Porcelain Box

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Fair Trade

Working with Fair Trade certified organizations is an important part of what we do. This product is made by artisans that are fairly compensated for their skilled work, and helps provide a living wage as well as safe work conditions.

Description

This decorative box from Thailand features intricately hand-painted lotus flower motifs and gilded accents of real gold, done in the style of Benjarong ware. Made of gleaming white porcelain, this truly beautiful addition to your home decor is offered by Panida Tamjun. The lid lifts open to reveal a single-compartment interior for storing small items or candies.

  • Porcelain, 24K gold
  • Handmade in & fairly traded from Thailand

Due to the handmade nature of this item, colors and/or color placement may vary

Artisan Information

Panida Tamjun

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I'm Panida Tamjun from Southern Thailand. I was a professor at a technical college in Bangkok. My husband is an engineer and worked in a factory.

Benjarong-style porcelain is beautiful. In ancient times, Benjarong was created only for the royal court and aristocracy. One day, my husband and I went to visit a friend in an artisan village where traditional Thai Benjarong porcelain is made. During that trip, I learned about the process of crafting Benjarong porcelain. I was very excited when I began painting patterns and became passionate about this craft. Since then, my husband and I have been interested in Benjarong.

"My husband and I spent every holiday learning and practicing for three years until we became experts. We were confident we could earn enough for our family and live a happy life by making and selling Benjarong porcelain. In 2004, we decided to quit our jobs and set up a workshop to produce Benjarong. We also organized a small group of people from our community. The members spend their time after work to be trained on how to draw Benjarong patterns to earn extra income.

"The main feature of my craft is the pattern. I utilize the batik patterns common in Southern Thailand fabric in my Benjarong, which makes my creations colorful and represents the regional artistic identity through its pattern. Besides general porcelain items, we also create a trophy cup.

"Currently, our group has opened a learning center for people interested in this craft, including tourists, so that we can maintain and preserve this unique Thai art form.

"There's no exact date when Benjarong crafts began. The Benjarong we create is a glazed pottery painted with five enamel colors, which include black, white, yellow, red and green. We also use pink, purple, brown and orange. Our popular patterns include traditional Thai motifs, lotus, Chinese cabbage, flowers and mythical animals. The artisan creating the Benjarong has to be very skillful and careful.

"Some evidence from an archaeological piece found in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, depicts a pattern and color similar to Chinese wares and it is believed to have been made and ordered from China since that ancient era. Thai people could also order plain white porcelain to paint their own patterns and then send the piece back to China to be fired to complete the process. If it was for the royal court, it needed to be diligently created and the artisan would closely control the firing process.

"To create Benjarong, we start by drawing motifs on white porcelain. We then paint within the lines and fire the pieces in a kiln. I currently create a wide range of items designed for daily use. It is an opportunity to present my crafts around the world and to earn income for our group members. I hope you will support us. Thank you very much."

Supplier Information

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

Shipping

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

Returns

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.

SKU: S- NVC-351164
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