Life of the Buddha - Birth of Prince Siddhartha

THAILAND

This is a page from a manuscript on Thai Buddhist cosmology, known as a Traiphum. It was commissioned by King Taksin (reigned 1767–1782) of Thonburi. The manuscript contains numerous illustrations, including depictions of the three realms of existence, maps of Asia, and scenes from the Life of the Buddha and the Jataka tales.
In the center of the illustration, a tall, slender Queen Maya, wearing a crown and gold ornaments, reaches up and grasps a branch of an asoka tree with her left hand. She is supported by her relatives and flanked by kneeling noblewomen and palace maids who hold offerings or join their palms. A ring of curtains surrounds the group of figures, while four heavenly beings hover above them. Four-Headed, Four-Armed Brahma is on the left, holding a parasol and a cup containing a golden image of a young child, presumably Prince Siddhartha. On the right, the dark green Sakra hovers sideways in the air with palms joined in reverence. In front of the curtain, several attendants are shown carrying water pots. Two figures in the right corner kneel and attempt to start a fire, adding a touch of realism to the picture.