Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 2 (Himavanta Forest)

Description In this scene, we see Prince Vessantara giving his prized white elephant to a group of brahmins from a neighboring kingdom. A white elephant was believed to bring rain and prosperity. Vessantara sits atop the elephant, surrounded by symbols of his royalty. He pours water into the brahmins' hands as a sign of the gift being given.

Exhibitions

• Thai Story: The Vessantara Jataka. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2011-2012.

Provenance Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Southeast Asian Art Collection [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 2002, by gift.

Inscriptions kan himaphan (Himavanta Forest Chapter)

Credit Gift from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Southeast Asian Art Collection, 2002