This is a leaf, or maybe should be called two leaves, as it is hinged across the center, from a Thai manuscript folding book (samut khol), later 19th century I believe, gouache, ink and gold leaf on heavy (light board weight) paper. I purchased it along with one other from the same manuscript, listed separately, and believe they may be illustrating episodes from the legend of Phra Mala, a core text of Theravada Buddhist teaching in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand. In the story, Phra Malai, a Buddhist monk who accumulated so much merit that he acquired supernatural abilities, travels to the various hells, where he meets suffering denizens and is implored to have their living relatives make merit on their behalf--and so, if indeed this painting tells an episode from that story, it feels like something of an apt compliment to the retablo with Anima Sola I also have listed today!) Anyway, considered independently (though forgive my first photo which is not very good; details do a better job), I find this very beautiful, for the lush richness of the color and decoration (that orange and the patterned pants of the man kneeling at lower right alone sold me on this), and for the faces and gestures and interactions, and for the spectrum of skin tones too. With a little more time I would dig deeper into this, but am pressed today, so will leave it to you, or me later!
12 1/2" x 9 1/4" paper size. Painting 10 3/4" x 8". Good overall condition, with hinge running across the center horizontally. General wear, a little paint loss to the face of the kneeling figure at right below and a couple of small water spatters to face of seated man at right above. Better in hand, color is fantastic.
