Lacquered Teak Burmese Manuscript Trunk, 19th C.

A lacquered teak wood manuscript trunk, depicting a Jakata tale. Myanmar, formerly Burma, late 19th Century.

Known as “Sadaik”, it’s a Mandalay-period gilt and lacquer trunk or storage chest, hand-crafted by monastic orders to hold sacred Buddhist texts like palm-leaf Kammavaca manuscripts.

The predominant color is persimmon red, typical of the natural red lacquer applied over a black lacquer coat, which covers the lid, the outer frame and the inside of the trunk.

The featured image is an intricate gilt and black depiction of a Jakata tale. The Jātaka Tales (Sanskrit for “of the Birth”, “Birth-Related” or “Birth Stories”) are a voluminous body of literature native to the Indian subcontinent, which mainly refers to the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form.

Good condition overall. Age related separations in the wood, not affecting stability. Patina is present.