Artwork preview

Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The painting depicts a serene and somber scene. A central figure, the Buddha, lies on a platform in the center of the image, covered with an orange cloth. He is surrounded by numerous people, some of whom are mourning or paying their respects. The people are dressed in various colors, including red, blue, and white. In the foreground, several animals are present, including a white tiger, a leopard, and a bird. Trees with green leaves are scattered throughout the scene. A forest or wooded area makes up the background. The sky at the top of the image is dark blue with a large moon visible. A border surrounds the painting, featuring a gold design on a black background.

Artwork Details

Date
14th century
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
584 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette