What Is Each Design Mean?

Not only has Thailand’s art and culture designs received inspiration from nature and the eastern way of life, i.e. from the influence of India and China, but also Thailand has developed her own style of art by always conserving and improving its unique Thai style as we are proudly making and offering the Bencharong urns for the loved ones from these exclusive designs collection. Each design has inspired by a good meaning symbolic behind it which will be certain to resonate with the owner and the multi-colored style is expressed to the beautiful ways of life found off the obstacles and smoothness as life’s experiences on each person. The floras, leaves, and twigs knot surround the cover and collar is represented the tightening of family relationship is bound together for eternity.

PhumKaoBin (PB)

PhumKaoBin is a traditional unique Thai design 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.

PiKul (PK)

PiKul flower is notable for its fragrance and visual aesthetic. The design 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 inspries and create 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.

KarnTorDok (KT)

KarnTorDok is the stem with tiny flowers: a trellis floral design, which inspires by  abundant nature. This pattern is an ancient Thai design by virtue of using images of flowers which shapes are very small but have rather long stems and are not in the form of flowers, but run more to a design/lines in arithmetic motifs. Therefore, this tiny geometric and symmetrical design was specifically brought to paint on Bencharongware only. This pattern is suitable for those looking for a delicate pattern which is unique in that the patterns have been in use since King Rama II’s reign (1809-1824).

ChaKri (CK)

ChaKri design is the feature of flower pattern which is the many petaled flower or daisies in round shape with original colors in white and the pollen painted in red. The artist has endeavoured to make this flower significant by surrounding it with leaves. It is a delicate flower and seems to float in the middle of its petals. The meticulous leaves around this flower stress the delicacy of the flower, as if leaves were blown by the wind. 

ChaKri is a pattern blending art from the east to west. This pattern was most popular during the Reign of King Rama V (1887) who reformed Siam (Thailand) into the comparably modern nation it has become. ChaKri is the king dynasty name, so the “ChaKri” design was primarily used commemoratively by Royals in official ceremonies including as gifts bestowed upon Royal officials, nobilities and honoured guests, so this design is a symbol of successive rewards. Due to the advanced techniques used in Thailand by our artisans, the ChaKri China has now gained more popularity than in its native China.

KaoLarmTad (KL)

KaoLarmTad is one of the basic patterns in traditional Thai drawing from “MaeKaJung” design which inspried and originated from the shapes of the lotus flower (water lilies) and the tree’s buds (eyes). The pattern which appears on Bencharongware is developed from KaJungTaOil design (TaOil means the nodes from sugar cane which is the jointed stem of the sugar cane or bamboo), i.e. connects each together harmoniously and as delicately as a diamond or lozenge with the appearance of a candle flame. The lines are seemingly dragged into each other and the colors blend together giving it a “sparkle” which is implied by the bond of eternal relationship in the family.

KraDangNga (KN)

KraDangNga is a kind of Ilang-Ilang flower which has a beautiful shape and exquisite fragrance. The extract of this flower is used in Thai food and desserts. The main design looks like the “KaNok” design (The basic Thai pattern from the flame shape) which consists of double corners and is also commonly depicted on temple walls. Furthermore, this pattern is also influenced from Indian art and culture which features delicately curved lines in a twisted form of stems and leaves blending together perfectly so the design is indicated to the coherence of harmony.

DokMaiKhod (DM)

DokMaiKhod design consists of a contemporary pattern of twisted flowers that is a swirling vine of Thailand called the “SroiFah” which is the Passifloraceae or Passionflower. This flower consists of the pink and purple colors. It is also influenced from Indian art blended to build up colorful lines. The swirling vine flower pattern also incorporates the “KaNok” design (The basic Thai pattern from the flame shape) which consists of double corners and a famous Thai art to adapt with the colorful design of flowers to cause delicacy in accordance with various lines in Thai art. This DokMaiKhod design implies to the center of conciliation and peace.

Butterflies On Broken Mirror (BF)

Butterflies on broken mirror background is an original Chinese porcelain design with freehand drawing technique. This pattern brings together art from China and Thailand. It consists of small gold lines and white space in between which looks like to have dimensions from the broken mirror background. The colorful of butterflies and flowers make it look very lively and oriental.

Lotus And Butterflies (LB)

Lotus and Butterflies design is oriental which brings together Chinese and Thai art; the fancy colors of butterflies make it look very lively. The lotus (water lilies) flower is very special in the east, it is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. In both their natural habitat and in eastern art, the lotus appears in a number of different colors, and each has its own spiritual significance: the white lotus means purity of mind and evolved spirit; the pink lotus means perfection and represents the Buddha himself; the blue lotus represents the spirit’s conquest over the senses; the red lotus symbolizes the Avalokiteshwara (the Bodhisattva of compassion) and the yellow lotus means the achievement of enlightenment.

KarnKhod (KK)

KarnKhod is the twisting leaves and stem motif pattern with multiple colors: this pattern brings “KaNok” design (the basic Thai’s heritage pattern from the flame shape) which consists of double corners to adapt with the design of leaves to cause delicacy in accordance with various lines of Thai art to make it looks harmonious and more beautiful. KarnKhod is inferred to the middle way of human life that throughs of both happiness and sadness experiences.

Lotus With Golden Dots (LT)

Lotus (water lilies) with golden dots design is a contemporary pattern influenced from the Chinese technique of freehand drawing by the delicately fancy lotus and leaves on the doted gold background. Lotus is the most represented flower in eastern traditions and religions which is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. The lotus is also an emblem of Thai art which is a flower most respected in Buddhism of Thailand which lotus flower’s iconography and spiritual history is rich and deep. A journey from a muddy seed to a glorious blossom offers the hope which means something beautiful can grow from suffering and that will eventually bloom. Therefore, the lotus is a token of perseverance and hope, a reminder to always trust in the unseen path that leads to the sun. Although cultures have their own interpretations of this daily process, there is a general consensus among ancient texts that it symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and rebirth. The lotus stunned people with its ability to dip into the grime and revive itself unscathed—an incredible daily cycle of life, death, and a sudden immaculate rebirth that can only be described as spiritual. It is no wonder the lotus is associated with such celestial symbolism—the flower simply defies logic.

KarnYang (KY)

KarnYang is a traditional Thai heritage pattern of the trellis and crossed stalk design which was in effect influenced from the PhumKaoBin pattern which resembles motifs of ears of paddy and tropical leaves but KarnYang is adapted lines to be more angular in shape. The design itself creates part of a trellis together with curved lines, then it is suitable for those looking for a delicate pattern, which has been in use since King Rama II’s reign (1809-1824). The various colors are of a much gentler light green and/or soft pink background making the design attractive and unique. This KarnYang design is implied to the exuberant life.

Flame (FL)

Flame design is represented to the ascendant from the power of fire. It is used to create the “Kanok” design which is regarded as originating in Thai’s heritage. Hence this pattern is called “Kanok Prale”, being a design to depict the uniqueness of Thai art, by virtue of using what is seen in nature/earning one’s living to create a delicate and unique art. The lines have a delicate movement, coupled with colors to look harmonious and naturally beautiful. This flame pattern can be seen in various Thai art including architecture and painting.

DokKaw (DK)

DokKaw is the orange jessamine flower which is a tropical evergreen plant native to south Asia, southeast Asia and Australia. The species is widely grown as an ornamental tree or hedge. DokKaw has a sweet fragrance and good form.

The main pattern of DokKaw is that the flowers, leaves and stalks are drawn by switching and connecting them together on each row then switching colors on each column which gives a look of harmony combined with modern lively oriental art.

PhumTabTim (PT)

PhumTabTim design originates from Siam rubies (gems) (TabTim) cutting shape then each one connected together in one bush making them look contemporary. The rubies have always been held in high esteem in Asian countries, which were used to ornament armor, scabbards, and harnesses of noblemen in India and China. Rubies were laid beneath the foundation of buildings to secure good fortune to the structure and also the Indian culture worships rubies to be the “gemstone of the sun”, leader of the nine planets. Each space is combined with painted flowers and leaves with harmoniousness.

SuKhoThaiChong (ST)

SuKhoThaiChong is the separately connected glass frame design that has a more contemporary look. The middle of each frame is inspired and represented by the Pistia stratiotes or water lettuce (DokChok) flower and the Gomphrena haageana flower designs. The DokChok is a weed, which is found in the waters of Thailand. Thick, light green leaves grow in the form of an open head of lettuce and within is a small, female flower (hardly visible) and the seeds bearing fruit of the plant. It reproduces rapidly and water lettuce can produce a blanket of leaves over an entire lake within a short period as enlarge and exuberance of life. The Gomphrena haageana flower is a perennial herb with a tuberous root, stem, and branches sub-round, striped, moderately, or thinly appressed-hairy. It has red strawberry-like flower heads. Leaves are narrowly inverted-lance-shaped to linear-oblong. The Gomphrena haageana is called “BanMiRuLory” in Thai which means the blossom without wilted flower as an eternal exhilaration. These both flower forms are depicted in various shapes and fancy colors in this pattern.

Thai Traditional Figures (TT)

Thai traditional figures design is freehand drawing the stories of cultural festivals and Thai way of life with colorful technique from the proficient and gifted artists. The exotic festivals, e.g. SongKarn (Thai New Year and water festival); LoiKraThong (Festival of lighted candles and fireworks is held on the full moon in November for offerings to the god and are launched on candle lit floats.); Rocket festival “BoonBangFai” is a festival for farmers’ blessings for plentiful rain for the forthcoming rice-planting season. It occurs by way of launching rockets into the sky; Candle ceremonies festival (The Buddhist Lent covers a good part of rainy season in 3 months so monks resolve to just stay in temple. The celebration of the beginning of Buddhist Lent is marked by the ceremony of offering crafted and decorated candles to the monks.)

Elephants (EL)

Elephants design is freehand drawing with colorful technique from the proficient and gifted artists. Historically, Thai’s elephants are considered to be very important culturally. There are many elephant references in artworks, literature and national emblems. Since Thailand is a majority Buddhist country, elephants are portrayed as sacred animals from their special symbolism in the practice of Buddhism. Many artworks in Royal Palaces and temples have drawings/paintings of elephants on their walls. In 1917, Thailand’s official flag was a white elephant in the middle of a scarlet background. White elephants in Thai society also represent wealth, power and long life because of their past association with Royalty. In Thailand there are animal and planetary zodiac signs.  The elephant is the fourth in the animal zodiac.

Asian elephants share a close relationship with Thais, from being used by warriors on battlefields, worshiped as religious icons, and faithful laborers. Today they still hold a large amount of cultural significance in Thailand and are a large part of the locals’ livelihood.