What is "benjarong"

Benjarong ( Thai เบญจรงค์) ware is a kind of painted porcelain in Thailand. The name literally means 'five colors'. The painted decoration usually consists of 3 to 8 colors. For the decoration, repetitive forms, usually geometric or flower-based, are used. A design is usually named after the decoration base name and a background color (for example, Phum Kao Bin on dark blue).

Enamel colors are applied and overglazed, creating a swelling effect over the surface of the piece. The production process is incredibly labor-intensive, as each color is applied individually, and the piece is kiln fired after the application of each color. The firing process brightens the colors of the finished piece and adds to its beauty. Gold is also used in painting the porcelain.