A Journey Into Craftsmanship: Visiting UniqueUrn’s Bencharong Studio

By: The students of the fine arts college

It was a bright and welcoming morning when our group arrived at UniqueUrn, a revered family-run studio with over 50 years of experience in the art of Bencharong ceramics. Nestled within a compact two-story building, this studio is home to approximately 20 artisans dedicated to preserving a rare and meaningful heritage.

We were warmly welcomed at 10 a.m. and given a brief introduction to the legacy of UniqueUrn by Siam Ceramic Handmade—a brand renowned for its handcrafted Thai memorial art. Shortly thereafter, we were invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the entire Bencharong production process, which was divided into various departments working harmoniously under one roof.

1. Tile Selection Department

Our first stop introduced us to the selection of the ceramic base. Each whiteware piece, whether porcelain, bone china, or celadon, must be flawless—free of blemishes, precise in shape, and matched perfectly between lids and bases. Once painted, any mismatched piece becomes unsalvageable, so precision from the start is crucial.

2. Cleaning and Preparation

After selection, the ceramic pieces are meticulously washed and dried. Each piece receives a small sticker label indicating the design code for the upcoming painting process. This department ensures each item is handled with care and meets the production’s custom order requirements.

3. Design and Gilding Department

Next, we observed the artisans marking design boundaries with a fine brush dipped in gold. For recurring patterns, a reference model is used; for new designs, head artisans collaborate to prototype a layout. This stage requires steady hands and years of practice, especially when painting delicate gold borderlines that may differ by mere millimeters.

4. Gold Drawing Department

Here, we learned about two main elements of design: 

• Luk Khan patterns, which are structural motifs that divide the main pattern sections, such as vine leaves or connecting floral motifs, are painted first.
• The main patterns utilize two different painting techniques: (1) the “Tang Ta” patterns, a geometric framework for symmetrical and seamless designs, and (2) the freeform illustration patterns, which require careful pre-sketching and immense concentration.

Each gold line is hand-drawn using a syringe filled with real gold solution, demanding both artistic vision and technical precision. One mistake can mean wiping off the entire section and losing valuable gold in the process.

5. Color Painting Department

At this point, our group had a hands-on opportunity to try applying color. We learned about two painting techniques:

• Embossed Coloring: Rich, thick enamel colors are applied to fill each segment. Upon firing, the paint creates a tactile raised texture.
• Gradient Shading: Lighter, diluted colors are used to create depth and dimension through delicate brushwork. This technique gives the final piece a vivid and captivating appearance.

Even a brief attempt at painting made us appreciate the artisan’s concentration, patience, and refined motor skills.

6. Border Gilding 

With colors complete and dried, artisans then carefully apply gold borders to the rim and base. This final touch demands masterful precision as the brush must never stray into painted areas.

During these stages, we noticed soft background music and even meditative chants playing in the studio, creating a tranquil atmosphere that helps artisans maintain focus. Each working hour includes a 10-minute break for the craftsmen’s eyes and wrists.

7. Firing Department

We moved downstairs to observe the kiln. When enough pieces are ready, they are loaded into the electric kiln, spaced properly to prevent overcrowding. The firing begins around dusk, gradually increasing from 200°C to 800°C over 8 hours. Afterward, the kiln is cooled for an additional 10 hours before opening. The transformation is magical: muted brownish gold becomes brilliant and lustrous.

8. Quality Control & Packaging

Finally, we saw the quality control area, where each piece is scrutinized. Items with imperfections, no matter how small, are set aside. Only the finest works are packed and sent to customers or showrooms. This dedication to excellence is central to UniqueUrn’s reputation.

Key Observations & Takeaways

• Strengths: UniqueUrn combines heritage with discipline. Despite its small size, it operates with a clear structure and deeply rooted values. The studio is widely respected both locally and internationally, with a strong reputation built on word-of-mouth referrals.
• Challenges: The aging artisan workforce and lack of interest among younger generations pose a sustainability concern. The COVID-19 effect caused the team to shrink from nearly 80 to 20 and include related businesses.
• Opportunities: As industrialized products become more common, handcrafted art is becoming increasingly rare and more highly appreciated. UniqueUrn stands out as a cultural beacon, attracting customers who value authenticity and emotional significance.
• Obstacles: Rising raw material and labor costs, along with a decline in related ceramic industries, pose challenges to continuity.

Visiting UniqueUrn opened our eyes not only to a centuries-old art form but to the human stories, discipline, and spiritual energy infused into every piece. For those of us passionate about art and heritage, this was more than a field trip—it was an invitation to consider how tradition can live and be conserved through our hands and hearts.

 

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