The Art of Colour in High-Class Porcelains
In addition to its rarity as an object of desire among avid collectors, this highlight piece with such meticulous pattern is exceptional because of its green color similar to Chinese porcelains characterized by a range of colors called ‘Famille’ that includes Famille Rose (pink), Famille Verte (green), to name but a few.
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Benjarong literally means ‘Five Colors’; red, yellow, white, black, and green so this highlight featuring green color has identified its original form of Thai porcelain once reserved exclusively for royalty and elites. Nevertheless, its influence and some production processes derived from China.
This kind of painted porcelains became important in the Ayutthaya period. Then, it was popular in the Rattanakosin period where some unique Thai patterns were developed and accentuated with gold or ‘Lai Nam Thong’ in Thai.
Lot 100 A rare and fine Benjarong covered bowl painted with the Deities of the Four Elements on a green ground
The establishment of Rattanakosin dates back to the year 1782 with a presence of several diplomatic guests and a great celebration for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Therefore, religious ritual such as offering food to high-ranking priests was hosted.
Later in King Rama II era (1809-1824), patronage of the arts, and graceful practice of eating culture became significant. A refined use of utensils identified a splendid taste and civilized manners. Regarded as a talented female chef, the Queen of second monarch had a major role in Thai royal cuisine. She commissioned highly skilled Chinese artisans to create Benjarong solely for the royal palace while the King himself was a poet who penned a renowned poem of Thai Food and Desserts epitomizing a glory of royal culinary.
Simply put, Benjarong, a diplomatic representative in former times, notably illustrated a sophisticated dining etiquette in the cosmopolitan world and an important record for royal Thai cuisine reaching its prime.
LOT 91 A RARE AND FINE BENJARONG LAI NAM THONG COVERED BOWL PAINTED WITH THE DEITIES OF THE FOUR ELEMENTS
Browse and bid on August 13, 2022, here.