1045 Antique Illuminated Buddhist Thai Manuscript Phra Malai
Antique Illuminated Buddhist Thai Manuscript Phra Malai with Paintings - 1800s
This Thai illuminated manuscript Phra Malai has 11 double-pages with paintings
Of these, two double-pages have golden paint on black ground - which is very unusual and rare
These texts were used in monasteries for religious rites and as teaching materials.
The first two pages are written in gold leaf overlay over a black background. The illustrations are faded in many places
Very beautiful calligraphy
Soiled from age and usage. Condition as seen in the photos.
24 double pages
Each page is 25 x 5 inches.
Complete closed stack is about 5cm
Estimated to be from the early-mid 1800s.
Manuscripts of this age are rarely seen outside museums.
A very rare find.
Condition not perfect. Damaged by water. Paintings & text are a bit water-washed. Black cover present on only one side - therefore may be incomplete. Some pages are blank.
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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.
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