Bencharong bowl with cover

Directly connected to trade routes in the Gulf of Thailand by the Chao Phraya River, since its foundation in the mid-14th century, the historic riverine city of Ayutthaya had been a cosmopolitan and commercial centre. These extensive trade networks and the revenue generated were critical in providing both access and the financial means to import foreign luxury goods. Foremost was the trade in ceramics and textiles, particularly those which were made to order from China and India respectively. The patterns and motifs, form and scale of items were commissioned to Thai specifications and followed their conventions for dining, entertainment and dress.

Initially the commissioned ceramics were produced in the traditional style of underglaze blue decoration, but by the early 18th century decorated wares involving the use of colourful and contrasting enamels became dominant. Bencharong, derived from the Sanskrit word pancharanga meaning five colours, was the name given to enamelled porcelain made to order using specific designs for the Thai market.