Burmese Manuscript Chest (Sadaik) - 19th Century

This magnificent Burmese manuscript chest is called a sadaik and is made from 6 solid teak timbers. Burmese forest teak wood is some of the best quality. The chest is red lacquered with gilt relief work called thayo. Thayo is a putty created from sap mixed with ash.

This chest dates to the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885) and depicts figures in five cartouches. The scenes look to depict the life of the Buddha with the central panel depicting Buddha riding a makara (elephant dragon).

References:

For further reading and similar examples see Visions From The Golden Land - Burma & The Art Of Lacquer by R Isaacs & T R Blurton Fig 99, 100, 101

A similar example can be found in The British Museum in London, United Kingdom.

From Burma

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