Manuscript

Accordion style book of Buddhist scriptures (samut) on tough, insect resistant paper made from tree bark (khoi). Illustrations and text on both sides of pages. Text is the popular story of Phra Malai, a monk who visits heaven and hell. The illustrations represent the Tosachat: the last 10 Jatakas, or birth stories, of the Buddha. Each symbolizes an important virtue and lead to the birth of the Buddha. Outer covers missing. Name of the patron sponsoring the manuscript, Phrayā Daeng, and his wife and son Chant, written in the manuscript; a woman's name (Nang Rot) in the margin may be the name of the wife or of another woman; the manuscript is dedicated to Phrayā Luang Lu. In Thai (Khom). Written in 12 lines per illustrated folio, 10 lines per text folio. White samut khoi paper with writing in black; folded concertina- or accordion-style, including covers.