• Phra Mālai klō̜n sūat (The legend of Phra Malai)
  

Publisher:

• [Thailand], [approximately 1850-1900]

Extent:

• 1 volume (48 leaves) : paper, color illustrations ; 140 x 670 mm.

Format:

• Manuscript
• Book

Abstract:

• Illustrated funeral book, or book of merit, containing a collection of Buddhist texts in the Pali and Thai languages, including the legend of Phra Malai.

Description:

• Ms. codex.
• Title devised by cataloger.
• Layout: 5 lines.
• Description: Accordion-fold manuscript written on khoi paper.
• Decoration: Eight pairs of watercolor illustrations, a number extensively embellished with gilt, and one fully illustrated double-page panel depicting scenes in Hell, totalling seventeen illustrations.

Binding note:

• Paper covers edges lacquered in dark brown.

Subject:

• Māleyya
• Buddhist legends—Thailand
• Buddhist literature, Thai
• Manuscripts, Thai—New Jersey—Princeton
• Manuscripts, Pali—New Jersey—Princeton
• Manuscripts
• Mulberry fiber papers
• Accordion fold format
• Lacquered bindings
• illuminated manuscripts
• illuminations (paintings)

Edm rights:

• No Known Copyright

View in catalog:

• https://catalog.princeton.edu/catalog/9999854743506421

Curator's notes:

• Pali and Thai, in Khō̜m script
  Thailand, circa 1850–1900, khō̜i paper

  One frequently collected illustrated Thai text made in the accordion-style form is the Legend of Phra Malai. The virtuous monk Phra Malai travels through heaven and hell, and is instructed on how to accumulate merit to relieve suffering for his parents living in hell. Readings of the text, which also includes some humorous elements, took place during night-long funeral wakes. Phra Malai is shown visiting hell in the image on the right.

  Graphic Arts L-000017

  For further reading

  Brereton, Bonnie Pacala. “Phra Malai texts: telling them apart: preface or performance.” Journal of Mekong Societies 13, no. 3 (2017): 1-18.

  Brereton, Bonnie Pacala. Thai tellings of Phra Malai: texts and rituals concerning a popular Buddhist saint. Tempe: Arizona State University, Program for Southeast Asian Studies, 1995.

  Heijdra, Martin. “The legend of Phra Malai.” Graphic Arts Collection Blog (July 18, 2018). Accessed May 20, 2025. https://graphicarts.princeton.edu/2018/07/18/the-legend-of-phra-malai/

  Walker, Trent. “Material evidence for ritual chant in Thailand: Sequence, illumination, instruction, and notation.” Unpublished manuscript, presented at the conference Ritual and Materiality in Buddhism and Asian Religions, Princeton University, June 13, 2023.

Exhibit category:

• The pothī tradition
• The pothī tradition: variations and elaborations