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Wat Mahathat: Buddha Triad and Mahajanaka Jataka
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Wat Mahathat: Buddha Triad and Mahajanaka Jataka
THAILAND, Phetchaburi; Bangkok period (1782–present), circa 19th century; Color on cloth; 270 x 98 cm
This painting is kept at Wat Mahathat in Phetchaburi, Thailand. Fabric paintings first became popular during the Sukhothai Kingdom (circa 1238-1438), and are often given as offerings.
The slim Buddha stands within an ornate niche in the center of the painting. Wearing a red monastic robe, he forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with the right hand. Floral and flame patterns surround the top of the niche. Two disciples, presumably Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, stand beside the Buddha, joining their palms in reverence. Tiered canopies hang above their heads. In the upper register, two flying apsaras join their palms above their heads and lean towards each other. A scene from the Mahajanaka Jataka fills the lower register. Mahajanaka is shown struggling to survive after his ship sinks. |
