Manuscript Page

Manuscript fragment with one illuminated folio of Rama and Sita and two halves of text folios on the verso. Khoi paper with text in black; originally folded concertina- or accordion-style, but now the illuminated folio is housed open and flat. Written in 10 lines per folio. Tape or paper glued to hinge and edges on verso. On the outer side (when folded) there is Thai (Khom/Khmer) script in black ink. On the inner side there is script in the center and at each end there is a painting. The two paintings are very similar with a rich blue background a female figure (Sita) and male figure (Rama) flying through the air. Probably written and illustrated in the 1820s or 1830s, based on the use of only four colors