LukJan is a fruit of Thailand. It is a tropical tree in the ebony and persimmon family that flowers are white. It bears fruit which is yellow in color and is known as “Gold Apples”. When ripe it is slightly sweet with an astringent taste, which can be used to make Thai desserts. The seeds can be used for medicinal purposes.
This miniature covered box is one of the most prolific forms in Bencharong and stands out for its fine, intricate decoration. The lid is in the shape of the lotus bud.
Formerly, this LukJan covered box contained skincare and face powders used on the dressing tables of female consorts or was used as a miniature accessory box. Nowadays, this intricate decorative painted covered box can be used as the invaluable keepsake urns for containing a small portion of the loved ones as Thai people contain the lord Buddha’s bone ashes and the ancestors’ ashes for worship, remembrance, and memories.
PhumKaoBin design is a traditional unique Thai of geometric repetitive trellis or lattice patterns resembles motifs of ears of paddy and tropical leaves in angular gold lines which are quite similar to the pattern on textiles. This pattern is over 150 years old and was originally reserved for the Royal Court, so it is very much a Thai emblem and popular amongst Thais because it is skillfully reproduced by artisans who paint the pattern correctly and delicately according to Thai art.
This pattern is influenced from “Paddy” which is regarded as an economical plant and, was for a long time, a staple food of Thailand. It is one that is used in religious ceremonies which means exuberant life. The paddies are gathered up by hand to form a high bush which gives its unique shape. It gained popularity and to this very day is used in all forms of Thai art, architecture, sculpture, and painting.