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Seal with male deity holding a conical flower arrangement
Seal with male deity holding a conical flower arrangement

Seal with male deity holding a conical flower arrangement

Place of OriginThailand
Date1850-1925
MaterialsIvory
DimensionsH. 3 in x Diam. 2 in, H. 7.61 cm x Diam. 5.08 cm
Credit LineGift of Ian and Susan Wilson
Object number1998.50.5
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view
More Information

Workers in Thai government offices and temples as well as high-ranking officials and monks often had ivory seals for stamping the identifying symbol of the office or temple on documents. Identifying symbols-rather like crests or logos-included mythological heroes, fantastic animals, legendary buildings, and monograms.

The tiered shape of the seals is common in Thai decoration, and is also used, for instance, on railing posts.