Sutra Cabinet

THAILAND

This sutra cabinet was made during the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350–1767) and features double doors with locks. The door handles are in the form of a mythical creature with the head of a human being and the body of a bird. The entire cabinet is covered in black lacquer, while the doors are gilt with scenes depicting the Buddhist cosmology. Mount Sumeru stands erect in the middle, and on the top there is the heavenly palace of Trayastrimsa, where Sakra lives. The halls for the Four Heavenly Kings are situated on either side of the palace; they and their dependents stand with palms joined. Symmetrical pillars represent the eight mountains and seas. The door frames are carved with a scrolling pattern. The lower part of the right door is painted with images of trees, flowers, and fruit, while the lower part of the left door has birds, elephants, horses, and a coiled naga, along with other auspicious creatures.
The images on the sutra cabinet represent a vivid expression of Buddhist cosmology. The vibrant and exquisite images result in a cabinet that is considered to be a treasure of its time.