Cremation volume

Their publication, which dates to the late nineteenth century, was initiated among royalty and nobility, then taken up by wealthy commoners and, later, the wider middle class.

[1] A possible earlier example, sets of the epic Phra Aphai Mani printed by Samuel J. Smith for the royal cremation of King Mongkut in 1869, was discovered in 2006, though it has yet to receive further in-depth study.

The increased accessibility of the press and the medium led to a gradual proliferation of commemorative books, especially cremation volumes, which were seen as more lasting in value than the usual trinket gifts, and were commissioned by noble and well-to-do families following the royal example.

[1][5] Towards the mid-twentieth century, the publication of cremation volumes increased along with the expanding middle class, especially merchant families of Chinese origin.

[3] Cremation volumes mainly consist of two parts: a commemoration of the deceased, and content chosen for publication, which may or may not be directly relevant to the person's life.

The appearance and quality of printing of cremation volumes vary widely, and mostly reflect the social and financial status of the family producing the work.

[1][7] Topics touched ranged from art, music, literature, linguistics and poetry, to Thai traditions and customs, ranks and titles of the nobility, and writings and travels of kings.

Many covered topics directly related to the lives and work of the deceased, while historical biographies, travel, language and cooking were also popular subjects.

Extensive collector's circles are dedicated to them, and an active market has developed around their trade, which takes place primarily through sellers of rare and used books.