Palm-Leaf Manuscript Storage Box in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, August 2023

Title: Palm-leaf Manuscript Storage Box

Date: early 19th century

Culture: Thailand

Medium: Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl inlay; brass hinges and keyed lock.

Dimensions: H. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); W. 24 1/2 in. (62.2 cm); D. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)

Classification: Lacquer

Credit Line: Gift of Maxine N. Dunitz, 2017

Accession Number: 2017.379

The workmanship and artistry of this manuscript box is of the highest quality, akin to secular objects made for court use in the early Bangkok period. This art form was especially refined in the early to mid-19th century, especially during the reign of Rama III (1824-51). The technique seen here is faultless, the carving of the individual plates of mother-of-pearl is uniformly refined and sophisticated. This workmanship belongs in the finest category of royal workshop production of the early 19th century, the apogee of Siamese mother-of-pearl production.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/73333