Thai Story: The Vessantara Jataka

Twelve paintings illustrating the jataka story of Prince Vessantara extol the virtue of unlimited charity. In this painting cycle, the prince, an embodiment of the Buddha-to-be, casts off his elephant, his land, his palace, his garments, his children, his wife and more until he has given all that can be given. His charity is limitless, and this attracts the attention of the divine. He is rewarded with the return of his wife and his children, transcendent understanding and the restoration of his kingdom, where he is able to assume the role of omniscient ruler.

The Return of the Buddha is made possible by the generous support of our members and contributors to the annual fund. Major support has been provided by the Women’s Committee of the Walters Art Museum. 

CURATOR
Julie Lauffenberger, Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director of Conservation and Technical Research

ABOVE: Chinese, Buddha (detail), ca. 590. Acquired by Henry Walters, 1920.