Burmese temple chest
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Object number17313.1
TitleBurmese temple chest
DescriptionThis manuscript chest or sadaik would have been made for use in a Burmese temple in the 19th century. Designed to store and protect precious religious texts, they were often commissioned to be given to monasteries, and sometimes also used in the households of important and wealthy officials.
The wooden chest has been decorated on three sides using thayo, a traditional moulded lacquer. We think the intricate design on the front illustrates the moment when Queen Maya, holding on to a tree, gives birth to the Buddha. There are many other figures present – perhaps representing other moments in his life.
The chest is topped with a beautiful statue of the Buddha, posed as he calls the earth to witness his Enlightenment (known as bhumisparsha mudra). Originally named Siddhartha Gautama, he was born into a royal family in Nepal around 2,500 years ago. He left behind his life of luxury and became a homeless, holy man. After years of study and thought, he set out to teach others how to live better lives. He became known as ‘the Buddha’ (meaning ‘one who is awake’), or ‘enlightened one’, developing an understanding of life in the deepest way possible.
Production placeBurma
Object nameFigure - chest "sutra chest" B
Dimensions
whole Width: 855 mm
whole Height: 640 mm
whole Height: 640 mm