- Title
- Buddha Shakyamuni with Monks and the Sama Jataka
- Date Made
- late 19th century
- Medium
- Opaque watercolor on silk
- Dimensions
- 111 1/2 x 37 in. (283.2 x 94 cm)
- Accession Number
- M.86.342.2
- Collecting Area
- South and Southeast Asian Art
- Curatorial Notes
In the upper section of this banner, Buddha Shakyamuni stands on a lotus pedestal within an archway. His right hand is held in the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). He is flanked by his two principal disciple monks, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana. In the upper corners, two flying celestials carrying lotuses offer their adoration. The lower section has a representation of the Sama Jataka, which tells the tale of the Buddha’s previous birth as Sama. He was the devoted son of two blind forest ascetics, Dukol and Bareka. One day, when went to the river to fetch water, he was shot with an arrow by the King of Benaras, Belayeak, who mistook him for a demigod. Indra, the King of the Gods, intervened to save Sama’s life and restore his parents sight. King Belayeak is shown standing on one leg after shooting Sama with the arrow. Above that scene, Sama and his parents reunite while standing beside their hermitage. This episode is commonly depicted in Thai temple paintings.
According to the inscription on the bottom of the banner, it was commissioned in order to gain merit by a woman named Bon.
- Selected Bibliography
- Pal, Pratapaditya; R. Brown; R. Fisher; G. Kuwayama; Amy G. Poster. Light of Asia: Buddha Sakyamuni in Asian Art. ed. Dean, Lynne. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1984.
