Thai Benjarong ceramics to get boost in world market

The export of Benjarong porcelain and ceramics from Thailand has shown a positive sign as export market for the traditional unique Thai ceramic products including the United States seem promising. Khun Praiwan Muangpuek, head of Thailand's Benjarong occupational training center in Samut Sakhon said that it would expand its production capacity to meet higher demand for Thai Benjarong pottery, a type of porcelain distinguished by enamel decorations.

Being selected to be a product for Thailand's One Tambon One Product scheme, he said Thai Benjarong ceramics and Benjarong pottery is expected to grow over 10 percent estimated by the government of Thailand next year.

Thai hand-made Benjarong porcelain has been accepted by foreign customers particularly those certified by Thai Industrial Standard Institute.

Benjarong, meaning 5 colors, was originally made in China, hand crafted from clay, fired in charcoal ovens and finished in fine gold plating. Each piece of Benjarong porcelain consists of hand-applied, real gold masks laid over the white Benjarong ceramic, enabling the artist to produce a tactile, detailed Thai pattern around the gold of the Benjarong pottery, using at least 5 colors.

5-colored Benjarong porcelain and pottery from Thailand is used as household and decorative ceramics. Using cremation urns of Benjarong pottery to keep ashes of the love one is gaining popularity in the western culture, Praiwan said.

Khun Praiwan added that almost 100,000 Thai Benjarong cremation urns worth 350-3,000 baht (1 US$ = 39.50 baht) each had been exported to Florida after they were promoted as an OTOP product during the APEC summit in October.

Thai Benjarong pottery and pocelain goods made by the Nadee Occupational Training Center will be put on display at the OTOP City fair due to held on December 21-28 at the Impact Exhibition Halls, Muang Thong Thani Thailand.