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King Nimi is carried through the heavens on a divine chariot, a scene from the Nimi Jataka
King Nimi is carried through the heavens on a divine chariot, a scene from the Nimi Jataka

King Nimi is carried through the heavens on a divine chariot, a scene from the Nimi Jataka

Place of OriginThailand
Dateapprox. 1875-1925
MaterialsPaint on cloth
DimensionsOverall: H. 14 9/16 in × W. 23 1/4 in (37 cm × 59 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Sarah Bekker
Object number2008.78
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
InscribedNemi
More Information

Sometimes, as here, a story of a previous life of the Buddha was rendered separately (though perhaps as a part of a set). In this story, the fourth of the ten, the pious King Nimi is invited by Indra to come to his heaven to speak with the gods assembled there. We see Nimi flying though the skies in the chariot Indra has sent for him, passing a celestial mansion. To the back of the chariot are attached two ceremonial standards similar in type to those displayed in Hambrecht Gallery.

The king's name in Thai is inscribed below the chariot.

This painting, unlike any of the others exhibited in "Emerald Cities", is painted on cloth fastened over a Western-type painting stretcher, and must date from a time by which Thai artists had become accustomed to using some Western techniques and formats.