Wall Hanging with the Life of the Buddha

MYANMAR

This wall hanging depicting scenes from the Life of the Buddha is made of various materials and includes an inscription indicating that it was donated by Sein Ko.
Scenes of Sakyamuni Buddha’s quest for enlightenment and his subsequent teaching of the Dharma are shown in two horizontal strips. The Buddha is depicted in various postures; from left to right, the upper strip shows the Buddha seated with two disciples kneeling before him; flanked by his disciples, standing with both hands holding the corners of his robe; and his last teaching to various figures who are kneeling, sitting, or standing before him as he passes into Parinirvana. Well-dressed royal figures are depicted on the right side of the hanging, and on the left side of the lower strip is the illustration of the parinirvana, where his disciples, Sariputra and Mogallana, are seen kneeling by his deathbed. The subsequent scenes are similar to those in the upper strip, with the Buddha sitting or standing while surrounded by his followers. The wall hanging is adorned with flowers, pavilions, and trees, while the edges are embroidered with apsaras.