Sutra Chest Panel with Maha Ummagga Jataka

MYANMAR

This panel came from a sutra chest dated between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The rectangular panel is made of wood and lacquered in gold. The illustration is from the Pali Jataka No. 546, the Maha Ummagga Jataka, which narrates the birth story of the Buddha in his past life as Mahosadha, a wise court official.
The panel is framed with lotuses and depicts the three palaces of the King of Mithila, the King of Uttara-Panchala, and Mahosadha on the left, center, and right, respectively. The left side depicts the King of Mithila testing Mahosadha by requesting the wish-fulfilling jewel reflected in the pond. Shown above the center of the panel is the attack on the Mithila Kingdom by King Culani. The right side shows the palaces and tunnels which were constructed by Mahosadha to attack the palace of King Culani across the river.
The artwork is richly illustrated with exquisite illustrations and is covered with over 50 inscriptions that describe each scene in detail.