A Study of the Pattern on the Scripture Cabinets from the Late Ayutthaya Period to King Rama II's Reign in the Santiwan Library

Abstract

Santiwan Library is situated in the monastery area of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram. This place serves as an educational place for monks and novices to study the Abhidhamma Pitaka, and as a storage of books, textbooks, old Tripitaka on ancient palm leaves, and for storing many scripture cabinets from various periods. However, previously there was no study to identify each scripture cabinet period. Thus, this study aims to identify their period through the study of decorative patterns. This study uses 4 sample cabinets from the late Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin period, in the reign of King Phra Phuttha Lertlah Naphalai, which is Nameless Cabinet No.2, Santiwan Cabinet No.13, Santiwan Cabinet No.18, Santiwan Cabinet No.29
The results determined the periods as follows: Nameless Cabinet No.2 is from the late Ayutthaya period, indicated by its delicate and lively scenery pattern. Santiwan Cabinet No.13 is dated between the late Ayutthaya period and Thonburee period, as indicated by its soft and waving Kranok drawing and its raised Upper Kab and Lower Kab patterns, which was developed from the Kab Pai pattern. For Santiwan Cabinet No.18, it is from King Rama I's reign, evidenced by its slim, coiled vine, and slim Kranok Plaew, plus the enlarged spacing between patterns. Lastly, Santiwan Cabinet No.29 is from King Rama II's reign, indicated by a somewhat plumper Kranok Plaew, strong drawing lines, and visibly orderly pattern. It is the last period that still retains some of the late Ayutthaya drawing methods.