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Phra Malai (The Monk)

Thai

Artwork Details

Phra Malai (The Monk)
19th century - early 20th century
Thai
gilt bronze
22 7/16 in. x 5 3/8 in. x 5 5/16 in. ( 57 cm x 13.7 cm x 13.5 cm )
Gift of Doris Duke's Southeast Asian Art Collection
2005/1.453

On Display

Gallery of South, Southeast and Central Asian Art

Tags

Description

Subject Matter:

Monk with a begging bowl over his shoulder. This is Phra Malai whose story was immensely popular in the nineteenth century. He was a Buddhist monk who had achieved extraordinary powers through his accumulated merit and was able to visit numerous hells and heavens and then travel back to report on what he had seen. His accounts of heaven and hell offer vivid reminders of the inevitable results of one’s actions and his story was widely used as a preaching text at funerals.

Physical Description:

Gilt bronze statue of monk with a begging bowl over his shoulder. This is Phra Malai, who achieved extraordinary powers through his accumulated merit and was able to visit numerous hells and heavens and then travel back to report on what he had seen. Phrai Malai has elongated ears and stands on a wooden base wearing a detailed robe.

Usage Rights:

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