Saraburi: Sutra Cabinet

THAILAND, Saraburi

This wooden gilt lacquer sutra cabinet was completed in the late 17th or early 18th century during the Ayutthaya period. It was discovered in a temple in Saraburi, Thailand. The cabinet stands on stout legs with two drawers in the base. The doors and sides are covered in images depicting the Life of the Buddha, and the upper register of the doors features four apsaras riding on clouds and surrounded by flames, performing different hand gestures. On the left door, there is an image of Sakyamuni Buddha who is seated in lotus position on a Sumeru throne. Below the Buddha there is an apsara. The lower register of both doors shows Mara assembling members of his clan to disrupt the Buddha during his meditation. His soldiers are depicted riding elephants and carrying bows and arrows.