Thai Sadaik or Manuscript Chest

Gold diamonds on black, and on the side a celestial figure stepping lightly among dragons.

This sadaik, or manuscript chest, comes from Thailand and dates to the late 19th to early 20th century. It is painted wood. Thai monasteries traditionally kept palm leaf scriptures in tapering chests like this. The front is covered in a gilt lattice, each diamond filled with a small seated figure or blossom inside a scrolling floral border. One end shows a crowned figure standing with palms joined, flanked by serpentine dragons and clouds. The stepped base is banded in red and gold. It is 37.5 inches long and 31.75 high.

The books inside were treated with great respect, and so was the box.