Book illustrating the Ramayana
ca. 1850
In a parabaik (a Burmese folding book), a story’s scenes are chronologically presented side-by-side without any visual dividers. This parabaik unfolds the Ramayana narrative, with brief captions in Burmese at the bottom to aid the viewer. This section shows the moment when Ravana calls into battle his demon army, who are depicted in green, to seek vengeance for the death of his son Akshay. The opposing side is depicted in white tones. Ravana’s other son, Meghand, engages in a fight with Hanuman, who was responsible for his brother’s demise.
Ink and color on paper
21 1/4 x 8 1/4 in. (53.98 x 20.96 cm)
Overall h.: 21 1/4 in.
Overall w.: 208 in.
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
57.132