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Rama and Lakshmana Watch as the Monkey Princes Wrestle
Rama and Lakshmana Watch as the Monkey Princes Wrestle

Rama and Lakshmana Watch as the Monkey Princes Wrestle

Dateca. 1800
Label TextIn this pivotal scene in the Hindu epic the Ramayana, brothers Rama and Lakshmana watch and will later intervene in the battle between two other brothers, Vali and Sugriva. As identical twins, the monkey princes Vali and Sugriva are difficult to distinguish in this painting, except for the necklace worn around Sugriva’s neck. This key identifying ornament enables Rama to differentiate between the two, and he will shoot and kill Vali. This story is enacted in a hilly landscape punctuated by trees since Rama is in exile. Rama is painted blue to indicate that he is an avatar of Vishnu.
Object number75.9
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view July 16 - Dec. 5, 2021].
Credit LineFloyd A. Naramore Memorial Purchase Fund
Dimensions9 3/4 x 13 7/16 in. (24.8 x 34.2 cm)
MediumGouache and gold on paper
Rama in exile with Sita and Lakshmana
Indian
1750
Object number: 51.54
Three Mughal Princes Before a Guru
Indian
late 16th century
Object number: 63.38
Rama and his Brothers
ca. 1720
Object number: 75.53
Portrait of Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan)
Indian
first quarter 17th century
Object number: 44.650
Dancers and Musicians Entertain a Princess
Indian
1745-75
Object number: 75.8
Kedara Raga
Indian
ca. 1750
Object number: 75.57
Court Lady Serving Wine
Indian
18th-19th century
Object number: 76.287
Photo: Paul Macapia
Persian
ca. 1590-1630 or later
Object number: 40.36
Photo: Paul Macapia
Persian
ca. 1435 - 36
Object number: 49.133
Photo: Paul Macapia
Islamic
18th century
Object number: 38.155