The book provides a general presentation of Bencharong as well as new insight into its nature, history and use, written by some of the leading scholars in the field. Similarities and differences between chinaware exported to Thailand and to other countries in the region are among the topics that are discussed. From which sources has Bencharong derived its unique design? What is the status of this porcelain in Thailand today? The Ring collection of Bencharong receives special attention. In addition, other antiquities in this collection are examined. Some articles also focus on other Norwegian collectors of oriental arts and ceramics. What were the collectors’ backgrounds and their motivations? Exhibition: Museum of Cultural History, Oslo, Norway (22.11.2013-31.8.2014)

• Bencharong : its history and characteristics
• Dawn F. Rooney
• Pariwat Thammapreechakorn
• Rose Kerr
• Anne Habu
• Luisa E. Mengoni
• Anne Habu
• Arild Engelsen Ruud
• Johanne Huitfeldt
• Paul Bromberg
• Peter Skilling
• Prapassorn Posrithong
• Arthid Sheravanichkul
• Jens Braarvig
• Martin Hager-Saltnes Constructing an identity for Bencharong and Lai Nam Thong / Bencharong : origin, history, use and patronage / Bencharong and its place in the Qing Dynasty porcelain trade / Collections and collectors
• The Ring Collection of Bencharong / Adapting to foreign demands : Chinese enameled copperwares for the Thai market / "Your Majesty’s most humble and dutiful servant" : Theodor Ring, Commander in the Royal Siamese Navy / Carl Bock : adventurer and collector in nineteenth century Siam / Collectors and collections of Chinese porcelain in Norway / The enduring appeal of Bencharong : from royal court ware to tourist trinket / Molding merit, distillation of the Dharma : curiosity and curios in the age of collecting / pt. 3. Motifs and influences
• Artistic relations between Indian textiles for the Thai market and Bencharong ware / Phra Aphai Mani : a classical Thai epos on a porcelain bowl in the Ring Collection / Indian iconography on Bencharong / Exhibiting Bencharong
• The lives of Chinese objects in Thailand and Norway : exhibiting the Ring Collection /