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Siamese Buddhist temple mural-style painting c. 1850

Siamese Buddhist temple mural-style painting, c.1850 — Ramakien scene on linen
Siamese Buddhist temple mural-style painting, c.1850 — Ramakien scene on linen

Siamese Buddhist Temple Mural-Style Painting, c.1850

Executed on linen, likely from central Thailand, this painting illustrates a scene from the Ramayana (Ramakien in Thai tradition) — the revered Thai epic adapted from the Indian Ramayana. The composition and iconography are consistent with Rattanakosin-period temple murals of the early-to-mid 19th century.

Right side: A hunt by a princely figure (Phra Ram, the Thai Rama) astride a richly adorned elephant, accompanied by attendants. The presence of golden crowns and leaf-shaped fans (phat yot) indicates royal or divine status.

Left side: A pavilion scene with courtly figures, depicting an audience or ceremonial exchange. The detailed architectural elements — tiered roofs, columns, and decorative eaves — reflect the meticulous rendering of royal palace or temple architecture typical of the period.

Siamese mural painting — right panel detail, elephant hunt scene
Right panel — royal elephant hunt scene
Siamese mural painting — left panel detail, pavilion court scene
Left panel — pavilion court scene
Siamese mural painting — figure and costume detail
Figure detail — gilded crowns and phat yot fans denoting divine status
Siamese mural painting — architectural detail
Siamese mural painting — full composition detail

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