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The Ordination of the Shakya Nobles
The Ordination of the Shakya Nobles

The Ordination of the Shakya Nobles

Place of OriginThailand
Date1800-1900
MaterialsPaint and gold on cloth
DimensionsOverall: H. 25 5/16 in × W. 19 1/4 in (64.3 cm × 48.9 cm)
Matted: H. 32 in × W. 27 in (81.3 cm × 68.6 cm)
Credit LineGift from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Southeast Asian Art Collection
Object number2006.27.83.3
DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
InscribedFrom Peter Skilling, 11-4-05: I did find the last letter of the Sakyaraja cartouche, It is indeed, without doubt, a ligature for jaa. This then gives us: Saakya.hraajaparr.natajaa. Sakyarat ban-ta-cha In which the 'ta' has to be a mistake for 'ba' pron. in Thai 'pha', That is Pali pabbajaa, Skt. Pravrajyaa, Thai ban-pha-cha: 'Ordination of the Sakya nobles'.
More Information
While the Buddha was visiting his family, he preached to and ordained a large number of young nobles of his family's clan, the Shakyas.
An inscription on this painting says "the ordination of the Shakya nobles," and presumably the four kneeling princely figures represent the much larger number who heard the Buddha's message and converted.