Research & Article

Siamese gilt-lacquerwork and items of furniture on which this medium has been applied demonstrate great craftsmanship and durability yet lack scholarly attention. Thus, this article outlines research primarily concentrated on cabinets in the National Library, with a concentration on two main classifications. The first category is gilt lacquer, which is often found on cabinets built to house palm-leaf scripture, while the second is scripture cabinets, the majority of which are decorated with gilt lacquer, however some are carved in bas-relief, inlaid with mother of pearl, or painted with polychrome lacquer. This article aims to classify decorated cabinets into “families,” with the goal of providing a loose framework for more exhaustive and systematic study. This resulting categorization groups cabinets that bear dated inscriptions with like but undated specimens, primarily on stylistic grounds and some technical considerations. The “families” are assigned the following categories: Coffer-Based, Wat Rakhang, Dancer, Spider, “Grandmother Bun,” K.Th. 317, K.Th. 272, and “Mother Pha.” Also included is a description of the appearance and history of the various pieces.