golden Shaka laying his PR side at center of composition; surrounded by trees, human and non-human beings; 7 golden kannon in background, swirling clouds and waves in background; a variety of animals and insects in foreground including heron, owls, ducks, horse, bull, monkey, deer, elephant, centipede, etc.; Buddha's mother in UR corner in clouds with attendants and Jizo

Parinirvana of Sakyamuni, the Historical Buddha, late 17th century

Hanabusa Itchōexpand_more

Ink, color, and gold on paperexpand_more

Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture; formerly given to the Center by the Clark Family in honor of Dr A. Jess Shensonexpand_more  2013.29.2

Not on Viewexpand_more

This painting depicts the death of Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha, in 438 BCE. The Indian prince-turned-sage is shown lying on his side, having delivered his final teachings. At the moment of his death, the Buddha was said to enter nirvana, a stage attained through the extinction of desire and individual consciousness. Around him are disciples in monks’ robes, a group of five bodhisattvas—beings that compassionately refrain from entering nirvana in order to save others—with golden-yellow skin, guardian deities, monks, laymen, and animal beings. All are shown expressing profound grief. The square “Kunju” relief seal dates this painting to a time before the artist, Itchō, was exiled to a small island in Izu province in 1699.

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Details
Title
Parinirvana of Sakyamuni, the Historical Buddha
Artist Life
1652 - 1724
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.29.2
Curator Approved

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golden Shaka laying his PR side at center of composition; surrounded by trees, human and non-human beings; 7 golden kannon in background, swirling clouds and waves in background; a variety of animals and insects in foreground including heron, owls, ducks, horse, bull, monkey, deer, elephant, centipede, etc.; Buddha's mother in UR corner in clouds with attendants and Jizo

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