ThoPlue is the traditional Chinese ginger jars but the top cover with authentic Thai is in the lotus bud shape which is placed on the covered body in the dome shape with a thick durable rim.
This jar/ urn is shaped like a strong barrel, which has a very deep and high rim that can hold extra capacity on each size which implies wishes of the fostering and sustaining with the exuberant life. The side of the jar is either gently curved or straight and rises upwards from a base that is narrower than the mouth. Although this shape has a short base, the outside of the jar is usually painted with a high base look which implies to the glorification and compliment.
In the past, this jar was often used to contain betel nuts and leaves in small sizes and the larger can be used for preserving food.
After the late 19th century when the popularity of betel chewing decreased, the practical use of these jars declined and it became more of a collector’s item and a status symbol. Today this exquisite jar/ urn is used for important occasions, such as cremations when a loved one has passed.
The 12 inches or smaller size can be used for adult or child & infant urn and the 14 inches or larger size can be used for companion urn.
PiKul design is flower notable for its fragrance and visual aesthetic. The pattern originated in the Reign of King Rama II (1809-1824). PiKul is a big tree often grown in temples. It has high strong stalks and its shape resembles and smells like Jasmine.
The painted design on the pieces inspires and creates a unique pattern, which has been reduced in size to that of the patterns painted on the walls and post of temples, including other important ancient places called “PraJamYam” (pattern fixed for auspices), which is the name of a pattern in the figure of a flower with 4 sparkle petals placed section by section and separated by other patterns. This is believed to be auspicious and guards against demons and to bring prosperity for those important places, i.e. north, south, east, and west. It creates peace and harmony in life.
The original PiKul flower pattern is based on the repetitive trellis technique from wooden vines and was developed to include various designs and colors as the PiKul KarnTor and PiKul SakKoRad design are replaced with tropical leaves motifs, even the PiKul KaJung and PiKul KarnLeam design are replaced with geometric forms of rectangle or rhombus shapes, but the PiKul Golden design minimizes the original size of the PiKul flower which is tiny for making the delicately unique design.