Accession Number
2005/1.467

Title
Manuscript Cabinet

Artist(s)
Thai

Object Creation Date
1930-1949

Medium & Support
lacquered and gilt wood with glazed metal inserts

Dimensions
47 7/16 in. x 35 1/4 in. x 25 3/16 in. ( 120.5 cm x 89.5 cm x 64 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Doris Duke's Southeast Asian Art Collection

Label copy
March 28 2009
Manuscript cabinets housed sacred texts in Buddhist monasteries in Thailand. This flamboyantly decorated example has two celestial beings making the gesture of worship and respect (anjalimudra) on the front doors. The hands and faces of these figures are carved in particularly high relief, making them seem to interact with the worshiper, an effect enhanced by the reflection of the background inserts. Decorating objects with reflective material, such as applied glass and mirrors, is typical of later Thai art. This type of decoration is found mostly on religious halls and other monastic buildings and their furnishings, such as chests and pulpits, as well as on frames and sculptures.
(Label for UMMA Buddhist Gallery Opening Rotation, March 2009)

Subject matter
Manuscript cabinet that housed sacred texts in Buddhist monasteries in Thailand. Cabinet doors are decorated with two celestial beings making the gesture of worship and respect (anjalimudra).

Physical Description
Manuscript cabinet decorated with two celestial beings making the gesture of worship and respect (anjalimudra) on front doors. The hands and faces of these figures are carved in particularly high relief, making them seem to interact with the worshipper, a feeling enhanced by the reflection of the background inserts.

Primary Object Classification
Wood and Woodcarving

Primary Object Type
furniture

Rights
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Keywords
cabinets (case furniture)
manuscripts (document genre)
wood (plant material)