Thai Gilded, Carved Wooden Reliquary

This tall vessel of baluster form is of wood and has been carved in the shape of a prang tower or chedi (Thai stupa).

The lid fits tightly and has a tiered, tall spire. The exterior is completely covered in black lacquer that has been decorated with relief and gilded.

The decoration and relief is reminiscent to that found on cast bronze religious statues of the Rattanokarsin period in Bangkok.

Such vessels were used in Thailand and Cambodia as reliquaries to hold holy and other relics.

The example here is complete but has obvious age and losses here and there to the gilding.