Minneapolis Institute of Art
Parinirvana of Sakyamuni, the Historical Buddha
Hanabusa ItchōLinkedCulture matchlcp-d09e37013a68
- Date
- late 17th century
- Medium
- Hanging scroll, ink, color, and gold on paper
- Department
- Asian Art
- Institution
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Object ID
- 117238
From the Minneapolis Institute of Art record
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. Japan, Asia
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Provenance & credit
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- Credit line
- Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture; formerly given to the Center by the Clark Family in honor of Dr A. Jess Shenson
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