Manuscript

Illustrated religious manuscript on khoi paper folded in accordion fashion. The popular story of Phra Malai (a monk who visits heaven and hell), preceded by 3 short texts illustrated with portraits, mostly of deities but also of monks and devotees. Written in 5 lines per segment. Written on khoi paper, with 2 folios written in gold ink on black (f. A03, A06); folded concertina- or accordion-style. 16 illustrated folios (11 on Side A, 5 on Side B) with images of monks (f. A03), deities (f. A06-A11), devotees (f. A12), and Phra Malai episodes (f. A13, A30, A42, B11, B26, B36-B37, B44). Covers attached, simply lacquered, with a border formed of additional layers of heavy paper. Written in Thailand, probably in the 1860s or 1870s. Black lacquer covers, flaked.

Undated colophon by a writer referring to himself without naming himself, his wife Jai, his grandmother Pien, and a man with the surname Kiew and his four sons, who together donated the manuscript to a monastery, probably for a funeral.

Formerly owned by Ethel S. Jordan (signature inside upper cover; possibly a relative of the donor). Gift of Mrs. Guy G. Gabrielson, Jr. (Nancy Jordan Gabrielson), 1983