The Newar Craftsmen of Kathmandu Valley: Objects of Devotion from Nepal

Queen Mayadevi and the Birth of the Future Buddha
Painted by Gyan Bhakta Lama
Based on Temple Paintings in Southwestern Tibet, 14th century
52.5” x 42.5”
2016

This painting displays the events occurring before and after the future Buddha’s birth. His mother, Queen Maya, holds a branch of a stylized sal tree as the baby future Buddha emerges from her right side. In the lower left hand corner, we see Maya’s dream of a white elephant, which foretold her giving birth to a great being. The three sections to the right of the dream show the sage Asita, who predicts the baby boy’s extraordinary future; the adult prince who escapes from his sheltered life; and his returning his horse, marking the end of his life as a married householder.