Mother-of-pearl inlayed lacquer tray with geometric designs
Thai
Description
March 28, 2009
This type of tray was used to hold paraphernalia associated with betel chewing, an important social custom in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The tray could hold small boxes, such as the three elaborate nielloware containers nearby, in an elegant household of Thai royalty. The use of mother-of-pearl–inlayed lacquerware was widespread among royalty and monks in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
(Label for UMMA South and Southest Asia Gallery Opening Rotation, March 2009)
Subject Matter:
This type of tray was used to carry offerings to a Buddhist monastery or to place paraphernalia associated with betel chewing, an important social custom in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The use of mother-of-pearl inlayed lacquer ware was widespread among royalty and monks in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Physical Description:
A square shaped, wood tray with curved corners tray. The interior is red lacquered, and the exterior is coated with black lacquer with mother-of-pearl inlays in geometric shapes.
Usage Rights:
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