NEHAN

EDO PERIOD (1603-1868)

Image 35.5 cm x 55 cm /14” x 22 “

DESCRIPTION: “ The event is depicted on a cloudy night under full moon in a grove of sal trees, usually eight. The Buddha lies on a platform on his right side facing north with his right hand behind his head. His entourage bears witness in various states of grief, curiosity or calm understanding. The Ten Great Disciples (Ju Dai-deshi); a host of bodhisattvas Kannkn, Seishi, Jizo Miroku , Fugen, Kongoshu and others, The Twelve Heavenly Beings (Juni-ten); the four guardians of the cardinal points; and lay believers, like the old woman at the Buddha’s feet are among those usually included. Many of these followers are labeled with kana characters in rectangular cartouches. The Buddha’s mother, two servants, and a monk appear on clouds at the upper right of the picture. An array of several dozen birds, animals and insects are pictured to emphasize the universality of Buddha’s law (dharma)*. Others include; Ananada , Buddha’s cousin and chief disciple, appears in the foreground sleeping on the ground facing away from the Buddha. “Ananda has evidently understood that the death of the Buddha is a transition to a supramundane state, so he is very calm and does off unperturbed among the distraught mourners”*. The bodhisattva Yajarpani, who threw down his diamond scepter in despair, pulled out his hair , and rolled in the dust at the Buddha’s death’s seen toward the lower left margin