Buddha Triad

THAILAND

This Thai cloth banner depicts the red-robed Buddha standing on a lotus atop a Sumeru throne and forming the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra in front of his chest with his right hand. A golden niche decorated with intricate patterns surrounds the Buddha. At the top of the niche, there is a green, pear-shaped design bordered by traditional Thai flame finials. Two disciples, presumably Sariputta and Maudgalyayana, stand beside the Buddha with their palms joined in reverence. They have red, pear-shaped nimbuses decorated with flame patterns, and wear red robes. Floral motifs cover the screen in the background, which rises into triangular peaks above the heads of the figures. Cloud-encircled apsaras in the upper corners offer flowers to the Buddha. An offering table set with three cups and two candles is painted below the figures. Below the table, a naga with a flaming head is coiled on a pedestal flanked by a rabbit and a pig.