About Commemorative Medal of the Vajirayana Library, Reign of King Rama V
Compiled from partner sources; under review and editing by our team.
Translated from Thai by AI and not yet reviewed by our team. Names and royal titles may need correction.
History
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) conceived the idea of having the Vajirayana Medal made, to be bestowed as a commemoration on the occasion of the royal ceremony opening the Vajirayana Library, which His Majesty had expected to be completed in 1882 (B.E. 2425). However, obstacles arose during construction, and the date was postponed by almost two years. A temporary opening ceremony was then held in the lower-floor room of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall on 13 April 1884 (B.E. 2427). Nevertheless, there is no clear evidence as to whether the Vajirayana Medal was bestowed at this royal ceremony for the temporary opening of the library.
The medal shown here is in copper. It bears the busts of King Mongkut (Rama IV) paired with King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), and the name "Benson" (the medal's maker) appears beneath the portraits. On the actual medal, the original surface can still be seen in the area of the lettering around the rim.
The reverse is inscribed with the Chula Sakarat (C.S.) year 1244, equivalent to 1882 (B.E. 2425). The Library was in fact completed and officially opened in 1889 (B.E. 2432).
Design
- Obverse
- Busts of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), to chest level, facing the left of the medal. Beneath the bust of King Chulalongkorn is the inscription "เบนซอน" (Benson). Around the rim is the royal title: "พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรมหามงกุฎ พระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาจุฬาลงกรณ์ พระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว" (King Phra Pharamenthra Maha Mongkut Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua; King Phra Paramindra Maha Chulalongkorn Phra Chula Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua).
- Reverse
- The Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut (Great Crown of Victory) is shown in relief above, rendered like a small bow with its ends spread out on both sides. In the center is a scroll ribbon, curled at both ends, inscribed "หอพระสมุดวชิรญาณ" (Vajirayana Library). Below the ribbon is the era date "๑๒๔๔" (1244). The left and right sides are decorated with two wreaths tied together with a bow.
