Untitled

Unknown

early 19th century · Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl inlay; brass hinges and keyed lock. · Asian Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 19th century

Medium

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

Culture

Thailand

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Maxine N. Dunitz, 2017