Vessantara and his family enter the forest, a scene from the next-to-last life of the Buddha (Vessantara Jataka)

Two princely figures carrying their children walk toward the forest. Flowers falling from the sky and an enthroned Buddha suggest the sacred nature of the scene.

According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha lived through hundreds of previous existences. In his next-to-last existence as Prince Vessantara he perfected the virtue of limitless generosity. When asked for his kingdom’s miraculous elephant, he bestowed it. His people angrily sent him into exile. On the way to the forest retreat with his wife and children Vessantara gave away their chariot. Eventually he even gave away his children. By the end of the story, though, the family was happily reunited.

Paintings such as this were produced in sets to illustrate the major episodes of the story of Prince Vessantara. These paintings were displayed during recitations of the story at annual temple festivals.