A visual tour of Southeast Asian religious paintings inspired by Theravada Buddhism, with over 130 color images and explanatory text. 



Of all the world's great religions, where art is used to reflect the happenings, teaching, and values of various beliefs, none is believed to have been more prolific than Buddhism. With 137 vibrant color images and explanatory text, this book takes you on a tour of Southeast Asian religious paintings inspired by Theravada Buddhism.



These painting are liberated from the confining dictates of perspective, shade, and shadow. Strong composition and storytelling are central to their style. These works of art include: Phra Bot-hanging cloth paintings for temple use; icons on wood, cloth or paper; and manuscript paintings on Khoi paper.



The subjects of these imaginative paintings are those of the Buddha, Jataka, and Phra Mali stories. Jataka stories detail the former lives of Buddha. Phra Mali stories tell of the life of a Buddhist saint. A brief history of art in Asia establishes a framework for the art portrayed.