Life of the Buddha - Great Departure

THAILAND

This painting, from a Vinaya Pitaka manuscript, illustrates text that describes the rules and rituals for ordination. The manuscript, consisting of 19 folds, each 10 cm high by 60 cm wide, and is written in gold script. Its two illustrations make the manuscript a rare example of a decorated ordination text. Based on the style of the script, it is thought to have originated from the area around Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. However, features of the illustrations suggest that they may have been painted by an artist from Bangkok.
The picture spreads across four fold pages, giving a height of 40 cm. Prince Siddhartha is shown departing from the palace at midnight, accompanied by heavenly beings. The prince rides on horseback, wearing a tall golden crown and holding a sword in his left hand. The hooves of his horse are supported by the Four Heavenly Kings. Two images of Four-Armed Brahma are painted to the right of the prince. The first holds a parasol, a bowl, and a golden vessel; the second holds a lotus bud and flower while joining the other two palms in reverence. Two more groups of heavenly beings are shown kneeling and joining their palms on the right side of the picture. The black background, made from a paste of soot applied with a stiffened cloth, highlights the vibrant gold and patterning on the crowns and clothing worn by the figures.