Traditional Art Gold on Black Buddhism Painting Thailand, "Golden Bodhi Purity"

Golden branches swirl across the canvas, their heart-shaped leaves aligned along the spirals. Saisunee depicts a pipal tree, a variety of fig tree that grows in India. Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating beneath such a tree, which became known as a bodhi, or "enlightened" tree. The black background brings a feeling of mystery to the painting.