Fine Bone China Collection
Remarkable Connections Granted a Royal Charter by Q ueen Elizabeth I in 1600, The East India Company was founded to explore the mysteries of the East. In the process it mapped trade routes, discovered exotic goods and established trading ports which would grow into the cities of Singapore, Hong Kong and Mumbai. It changed customs, tastes and ways of thinking, influencing the ver y fabric of our lives today. L ondon was the centre, a vast global warehouse stocked with treasures from around the world. Precious cargos of fine teas, coffees, spices and silks from far off lands were available in the same place for the first time. Unexpected and often remarkable connections of ingredients, flavours and materials were suddenly possible, enriching and revitalising ever yday life. A truly global endeavour, The East India Company connected the East and West through tastes, cultures and ideas. It is this pioneering spirit from which we draw inspiration today. We hope to improve our present by knowing our past and learn from others’ cultures and customs, connecting them with our own. Through the exquisite flavours, materials and skilled craft of artisans, we hope to share our passion with you and invite you to become part of the journey.
The East India Company Fine Bone China & Porcelain Collection
We believe in selecting only the best products for our customers. This Fine Bone China and porcelain collection of Benjarong is testimony to this. O ur collection of handpainted pieces, each selected for its beauty and craftsmanship bears The East India Company Merchants mark a sign of quality and of our approval.
Benjarong The origns of Benjarong are traced back to the Ming D ynasty in China (1368-1644). Tradition has it that some six hundred years ago, a princess from China married into a Siam Royal Family and brought with her Benjarong porcelain. For the next 400 years Benjarong was produced exclusively for use in the palaces of the Siam Royal Family. Early in the 1900’s King Rama V permitted Benjarong to be used by aristocracy and wealthy merchants. Today, by Royal decree, Benjarong is available to all who have the desire and means to purchase it. This East India Company Collection of Benjarong will only ever be produced by hand, in small communities of artists, with skills handed down from generation to generation spanning many centuries. The intricacies of how it is made, the mixing of colours and how the patterns and paints are applied, are a tightly held secret. Traditionally the five colours were red, yellow, green, blue and white. In more recent times these colours have been augmented by high purity (18 carat) gold.
Patterns Phum Khao Bin
Pikul
Dok Mai Khod
Karm Yang
This pattern is based on the Phum Khao Bin design, but draws upon additional designs with an Indian influence. This delicate design, in gently graduated colours, fuses flowers on swirling vines of intricate leaves. It is based on earlier Chinese Ming dynasty designs.
One of the original designs, this intricate pattern incorporates the rice motif, a key symbol of the Thai people. It dates back to the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910).
Chakri
Named after the flower symbolising the Buddhist Lent, Pikul is another gorgeous trellised pattern that originated during the reign of King Rama II (1809-1824). This pattern can often be seen decorating the walls and ceilings of Thai temples and other historic buildings.
Khao Larm Tad
Karn Tor Dok
Kradang-Nga
Kradang-Nga uses the Llang-lang flower in an intricate pattern of swirling vines and delicate leaves. The Llang-lang flower is often seen as a symbol of good luck to those newly married.
Kan Khod
Capturing the spirit of reflective Buddhist thought spreading outward this delicate and relatively new design symbolises the multi-faceted brilliance of diamonds with a single flickering flame captured in its centre.
This original daisy floral design dates back to China. The Thai adaptation with stronger colours became popular during the reign of King Rama V (18681910). The daisy flowers appear to float in a bed of stylized leaves wafting gently in the wind.
This ancient design originating in the reign of King Rama II (18091824) encapsulates a dwarf orchid inside a continuous geometric trellis pattern resulting in a pattern that is well suited to larger pieces in the collection.
This motif often used in temple art depicts leaves curling away from a vine; some believe the design is suggestive of leaves looking like flames gently blowing the wind.
Lotus with butterfly
Influenced by the origin of Benjarong from China, this pattern reflects a fusion of both Chinese and Thai design.
Butterfly (broken mirror background)
Lotus with golden dots
This pattern is an original Chinese Ming dynasty design. The free-form butterfly and flower on a white background of gold lines looks like a broken mirror (hence this patterns name).
An embodiment of purity, lotus is the most revered flower in Buddhism. Most seated Buddha images are depicted on a lotus base, especially in the “Touching Earth” posture when Buddha reaches down his right hand and touches the earth to signify his oneness with it. This modern design is influenced by the Chinese Ming dynasty.
Patterns - Thai Traditional Figures This pattern of Thai Traditional figures results in unique pieces being created by the artists, it is they who decide which combination of the six Thai Traditional Figure patterns are selected to create the overall patterning on each piece. Small pieces may only feature a single pattern.
Buddhist Ordination
Loy Krathong
Asanha Puja
Rocket Festival
An intricate and colourful pattern reflecting the celebration of a Thai man entering the realms of monk-hood for a period of time once they reach their 20th birthday. This act is regarded as a sign of great dedication to his parents.
This festival takes place in November. By moonlight, people light candles and incense sticks, make a wish and float them away on canals and rivers on lotus-shaped vessels made of banana leaves.
One of the sacred days in Buddhism marking the anniversary of the day on which Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples over 2500 years ago.
Called ‘Boon Bang Fai’ this festival is held in May at the start of the rainy season. By tradition rockets are set off to entreat the rain god, who requires to be worshipped by fire, for plentiful rain when the farmers are ready to cultivate their fields.
Songkran
Thai Desserts
Songkran is the Thai traditional New Year festival, an occasion for celebration, family reunion and time to pay respect.
Celebrating the richness inherent in the tradition of passing family dessert recipes from generation to generation this pattern is reflective of the joy in doing so.
Tea Cup & Saucer - Anna 0.22l Pattern shown PKYB Pattern shown PKYB
Teapot - Anna 1.1l Pattern shown PKYB
Milk/Creamer Jug - Anna 0.25l Pattern shown KNBB
Sugar Bowl - Anna 0.25l Pattern shown TTF
Coffee Cup - Anna 0.1l / 0.19l Pattern shown PKYB
Mug M2 0.36l Pattern shown PBBP
Mug M1 0.3l Pattern shown CKBP
Covered Mug CM2 0.36l Pattern shown PKYB
Coffee Pot - Anna 0.75l / 1.25L Pattern shown PKBB
Coffee Pot - Windsor 1.25L Pattern shown PKYB
Oval Platter - Anna 23cm / 38cm Pattern shown PKYB
Round Platter - Anna 31cm Pattern shown PKYB
Deep Plate - Anna 23cm Pattern shown PKYB
Show Plate - Anna 27cm / 30.5cm 35.5cm / 40.5cm Pattern shown PKYB
Soup Cup & Saucer - Anna 0.35l Pattern shown PKYB
Sauce Boat & Stand - Anna 0.5l Pattern shown PKYB
Salad Bowl - Anna 16cm / 20cm / 23cm Pattern shown PKYB
Soup Tureen - Anna 2.8l Pattern shown PKYB
Vegetable Tureen - Anna 1.8l Pattern shown PKYB
Covered Butter Dish - Anna 0.22l Pattern shown PKYB
Personalise your collection We are pleased to offer a personalisation ser vice for your chosen items of Benjarong. Selected pieces can have either Initials, or a family crest incorporated into the backstamp that appears on the base of each item.
P lease discuss your requirements with any member of our team, they will be only too willing to assist.
Certificate of Authenticity We believe the quality of our Benjarong is the finest in the world. In recognition of this we include a Certificate of Authenticity with each piece. The certificate confirms the origin and quality of manufacture of our Fine Bone China and Porcelain collection.
How to order → → → → →
Select items/set/sizes
Select preferred pattern(s)
Select personalisation option if required P lace order directly in-store
Discuss deliver y instructions for your order
Payment is required in full on placement of the order.
Gift Boxes Gift boxes are perfect for the gifting of Benjarong or for the safe storage of your collection. O ur bespoke silk lined wooden gift boxes are made to order. The store team will discuss your requirements on placement of your order.
Delivery Items not held in stock will take a minimum of 12 weeks to be delivered from date of order. You will be notified by a member of the store team one week before your order is due to arrive to re-confirm your deliver y instructions.
For list of store locations and contact details go to
eicfinefoods.com