Thai Traditional Art Gold on White Buddhism Painting, "White Bodhi Purity"

Golden branches swirl across the canvas, their heart-shaped leaves aligned along the spirals. Saisunee depicts a golden 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 white background brings a feeling of purity to the painting.