Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions. If you do not find your question answered here please send an email with your query to customerservices@siam-traders.com
Who are Siam Traders?
How many patterns do you have on your Benjarong?
How can we learn more about the artists?
How do I care for and clean my Benjarong?
What is the difference between porcelain and bone china?
How should I store my Benjarong?
How can I get my Benjarong repaired?
Can I buy any books on Benjarong?
How would I replace any pieces missing or broken from my Benjarong collection?
Are all Benjarong pieces viewable on-line and in your catalogue?
Can I visit your shop?
Do you sell second hand Benjarong?
How long does delivery take?
Who are Siam Traders?
Siam Traders are a UK company and an independent importer of beautiful hand crafted products from South East Asia. The idea for the company came about after many trips to Thailand, and the building up of a fine collection of Benjarong. We continue to visit Thailand at least three times a year searching for more exquisite crafts to bring to our customers in the UK.
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How many patterns do you have on your Benjarong?
We currently have 31 patterns available.
Patterns are divided into two broad classifications:
1. Free-flowing Chinese designs, some dating back to the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century
2. Geometric Thai designs introduced over the past two hundred years
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How can we learn more about the artists?
The information we provide to you on this website is as much as we are allowed to give. The craftsmen and women who produce this Benjarong are from a few rural Thai families and are very private people. The production processes and the techniques used by these particular families are tightly held secrets.
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How do I care for and clean my Benjarong?
Benjarong is a very beautiful and delicate piece of bone china or porcelain, and thus must be treated with great care. Use a soft brush or lightly moist cloth, free from any abraisive surfaces, regularly to clean. Using common sense and keeping the piece away from obvious hazards will ensure your Benjarong maintains its splendour. Benjarong contains metallic gold paint and must therefore never be placed in a microwave oven. It is not recommended that Benjarong be cleaned in the dishwasher.
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What is the difference between porcelain and bone china?
Benjarong is made in both bone china and porcelain. The dinner services, tea and coffee sets, some vases and ashtrays are made from bone china. Bone china is similar to porcelain, but with the addition of animal bone ash. The combining with the animal bone ash makes the bone china very strong and a brilliant white colour. Porcelain is a mixture of kaolin, a type of clay, feldspar, and possibly other materials. You will find many Benjarong pieces in our catalogue made from porcelain, namely lamps, bowls, covered jars and candlesticks.
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How should I store my Benjarong?
We have enjoyed Benjarong for many years. Some is used every day such as mugs, tea cups and saucers, and is kept alongside other items in cupboards. Other, more ornamental pieces, such as the lamps, covered pots and jars sit on mantlepieces, shelves or on window sills. We haven't experienced any fading or chipping whatsoever. Benjarong pieces are very special, each piece is hand drawn, handpainted and is made to order, unique to you, so due care should be taken. We recommend that plates are stored with tissues separating them.
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How can I get my Benjarong repaired?
As the Benjarong is made in Thailand we are unable to provide a repair service.
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Can I buy any books on Benjarong?
We have tried many times to find books relating to Thai Benjarong, but without much success. The only one we were able to find was in Thai, which we had to have translated, and covered the ancient designs of Benjarong. Feel free to try and find one. If you do, please drop us an email!
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How would I replace any pieces missing or broken from my Benjarong collection?
If in the unfortunate event your Benjarong broke or a part of a set went missing, you could replace it, should you wish, through visiting your nearest stockist and placing a new order. This would take the same amount of time to produce and transport to your nearest stockist as all other Benjarong pieces.
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Are all Benjarong pieces viewable on your on-line catalogue?
All Benjarong pieces available are currently dispayed on our online catalogue. We will periodically update our online catalogue with new product ranges, styles and patterns. These product ranges will be available to purchase in selected retail stockists.
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Can I visit your shop?
We do not have a physical shop front as we are a wholesaler to retail outlets. If you would like to purchase some Benjarong pieces you can contact us either by email at
customerservices@siam-traders.com or by telephone on 01372 451 400 and we will tell you where your nearest stockist is.
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Do you sell second hand Benjarong?
All Benjarong is made to order. We do not store any Benjarong ourselves, neither do we buy any second hand to sell on.
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How long does delivery take?
If the Benjarong pieces you decide to purchase are not in your nearest stockist then they will need to order them for you. From this initial order through to the Benjarong arriving at the Benjarong stockist will take 6 to 8 weeks. These delivery times reflect the bespoke nature of Benjarong where small groups of artists specialise, by tradition, in certain patterns. If, for instance, a group of artists receive an order for a large dinner service, this may delay the fulfillment of other orders.
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