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6. A Thai Painting Rattanakosin Period, 19th Century Pigment and Gilt on cotton Dimensions: 14 1/4" x 14 1/4" (36x36cm) painted area only |
The subject matter of these small banners, designed to provide religious instruction which hung on the walls of the temple, was generally the life of the Buddha or the popular legend of the Prince Vessantara. The Vessantara Jatakas are the tales of the prince who attained enlightenment after having given up his worldly possessions and his wife and children. Often such works would be commissioned from talented but anonymous monks and artists, as gifts for the temple, and merit would be gained by both the donor and the artist. This lively painting depicts Kinnari, mythical creatures, half bird, half human, who were said to have danced with joy at the news of the Buddha’s birth, disporting themselves among the blossoming lotus in a rippling pond. Leaning on the rocks at the edge of the pond is a Kin-non, their male counterpart. These are mythical creature from the Himapan - the magic land hidden in the 'mountains to the north' - the Himalayas. |