The scene depicted in this batik narrates an incident in the life of Buddha that takes place in Vaishali. Amrapali the courtesan, who contributed in her way to the splendour and luxury of the city, was under the impact of Buddha's teachings. Here, she visits him to invite him to luncheon to her house, which Buddha accepts without hesitation.
Buddha is seated on a rough pedestal under a tree. He wears a heavy monastic robe over both shoulders and the right hand seems to be raised in the conventional gesture of blessing and the other hand rests on the lap with the palm upturned, symbolic of receiving. Amrapali kneels in front of the master, in all her humility. She offers him lotus flowers as she extends him the invitation. She wears the attire and ornaments suited to a courtesan. Her elaborate hair do makes her appear more attractive.
The craftsperson makes the background colourful the blue sky, brown hills, green vegetation and the bare yellow land around the protagonists. The colours of the courtesan's clothes appear brilliant compared to the subdued background.
This description by Renu Rana.
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