Suan Pakkad Palace Lacquer Pavilion: Life of the Buddha - Defeat of Mara and Enlightenment

THAILAND, Bangkok; Ayutthaya Kingdom

Suan Pakkad Palace was built by Prince and Princess Chumbhot in 1952. It consists of a group of traditional Thai houses that were dismantled, taken from their original location, and rebuilt. The walls of the Laquer Pavilion are covered with murals made with gold on black lacquer that date from the rule of King Ramathibodi III (reigned 1656–1688) during the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
In the upper left corner of this picture, the Buddha appears as a stately, slender figure, sitting upright in lotus position. Prthivi, the Earth Goddess, kneels below him, holding her braided hair. On the right, Mara’s army charges towards the Buddha. Mara himself is depicted with many arms and has a savage appearance. Holding weapons, he rides on the back of an elephant. His army consists of hideous demons and animals. Interestingly, a distinctly European soldier, riding a horse and aiming a musket, is painted in the center of the army.
The composition is dense, complex, and finely detailed. The expressions and attire of the demons are meticulously portrayed. Banners, flames, and floral patterns at the top of the picture add a decorative effect.