LARGE BUDDHIST PAINTING OF THE SAMA JATAKA Thailand, 19th century Gouache on silk canvas, with a large stupa surrounded by celestial beings in the upper register, and scenes from the life of Sama and his blind parents in the lower register, in particular the moment when Sama is pierced by the arrow of the King of Benares, with stylised palmette borders and two wooden sticks at the ends of the scroll. Size: 182 x 86 cm A Large and Fine Buddhist Silk Painting of Sama Jataka, Thailand, 19th century The story of Sama (or Syama) is taken from episodes in the last ten lives of the Buddha. Sama is the child of a hermit and his wife, both blind. An example of devotion and filial piety, Sama is hit by an arrow while drawing water for his parents, who are entirely dependent on him. Indra took pity on the child, rescued him and restored his parents' sight. Another painting from the same Thai school, depicting the Buddha descending from the Heaven of the Three Centres (Travastrimsa), was sold at Artcurial, 15 November 2023, no. 197.