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261
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Jataka de Vessantara. Rare series of ten paintings illustrat…
See original version (French)
261
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Jataka de Vessantara. Rare series of ten paintings illustrat…
See original version (French)
Estimate €2,000 - €3,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Jataka de Vessantara.
Rare series of ten paintings illustrating the Vessantara Jataka. Jatakas are accounts of the Buddha's previous lives. This one, particularly popular in Southeast Asia, depicts the last incarnation of the Buddha before he became Siddharta Gautama. He plays the role of Prince Vessantara who, filled with compassion, gives away all his wealth. He abandons his kingdom, his wife and his children. After many adventures, he is reunited with his family and his rank.
The works are painted on canvas in roughly the same format, with a yellow painted frame decorated with floral motifs and foliage. An inscription in the lower centre sometimes identifies the scenes.
These didactic images were often handled, which explains the visible wear and tear. The quality of the work is evident in the elegance of the figures, with no preciosity, and the beautiful naturalness of the landscapes.
The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore own a series of comparable paintings.
1. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
After leaving their kingdom, Vessantara and Maddi are about to enter the forest. The richly dressed princely couple are moving through a landscape, carrying their children Jali and Kanhajina in their arms.
Size: 39x42 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments).
2. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
The old Brahmin Jujaka following his young wife.
Size: 42x42 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments).
3. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
Jujaka is asking the hunter where Vessantara is. The hunter is seated on the right, armed with a bow and arrows and accompanied by his dog.
Size: 41x42 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments).
4. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
Jujaka in search of Vessantara, asks the hermit Acchuta if he knows where he is.
Size: 40x43 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments).
5. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
Jujaka in search of Vessantara, asks the hermit Acchuta if he knows where he is.
Size: 42x42 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments).
6. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
In a landscape setting, the green-skinned god Indra is represented on the right on a pedestal. He grants ten favours to Phusati, seated on the left, richly adorned, before she descends from heaven to become the mother of Vessantara.
Size: 42x42 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments, broken glass).
7. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
Indra, in the form of a kneeling Brahmin, stands on the left and asks for his wife from Vessantara, seated on a terrace in front of a pavilion. Indra also appears a second time in the air, in a halo of flames.
Size: 41x42 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments).
8. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
Two episodes are illustrated here. The upper scene shows Maddi looking for food to feed his family. The main scene below shows Vessantara's wife being held by three deities changed into felines, while Prince Vessantara abandons their children.
Size: 42x40 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments, broken glass).
9. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
Prince Vessantara, in his boundless generosity, goes so far as to abandon his children to the Brahmin Jujuka. Celestial beings take pity on the children and take on the appearance of their parents to comfort them during the night. Jujaka sleeping in a hammock.
Size: 42x42 cm.
(Wear, missing pigments).
10. Vessantara Jataka scene, Thailand 19th century
Tempera on cotton.
Vessantara and Maddi walking in the mountains, the prince showing standards and banners.
Size: 40x43 cm.
(Wear, stains, tears, visible).
Expert: Renaud Montméat
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Ref. : 8563 - 1
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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