Benjarong is the brightly coloured porcelain made in China for the Thai market which enjoyed a peak of popularity in the 19th century. Although the name means “five colours”, the number and combination of colours on Benjarong has many variations.
The early history is murky, but Benjarong was probably first imported to Siam in the 18th century. The style developed from earlier forms made for the Chinese domestic market, but was applied to shapes used specifically in Siam and decorated in distinctively Siamese patterns and motifs. Benjarong was popular among royalty and nobility throughout the 19th century.
