Buddhist Manuscript Box, c. 1850
Unknown artist, Thailandexpand_more
Wood, lacquer, gold leaf (lai rod nam) techniqueexpand_more
The Alan and Dena Naylor Southeast Asian Art Fundexpand_more 2000.205a,b
G213expand_more
While the earliest examples of Thai lacquer date only from the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767), the technique most certainly goes much further back and was probably introduced from China by the earliest migrant groups. One of the most elegant arts of the late Ayutthaya period that continued into the Bangkok period (1782-present) was that of gold and black lacquer called, lai rod nam in Thai. Though the technique was developed in China, it acquired distinctively Thai features and, in the best examples, resembles the complex, mural paintings that covered the surfaces of Thai temple walls, as well as temple and palace doors, windows, and furniture. The art form peaked in the early Bangkok period (1782-present) with ceremonial bowls, manuscript boxes such as this, and cabinets to hold religious manuscripts (khoi) and personal belongings of the aristocracy. The pictorial subject matter in lai rod nam lacquer is drawn from Buddhist legends as well as the great Hindu epic, the Ramakian. The classic Bangkok style incorporated figural elements into densely patterned designs of flowers, trees, and stylized foliage.
Details
- Title
- Buddhist Manuscript Box
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2000.205a,b
- Curator Approved
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