Skip to main content
Seal with monkey king
Seal with monkey king

Seal with monkey king

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 number1998.50.7
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view
Inscribedsan ma "received"
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.