Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana

CHINA; Southern Song dynasty

This 13th century painting was brought to Japan, where it is listed as an Important Cultural Property. The Buddha is portrayed lying on his side on a bed between eight sala trees. He is dressed in a bright red monastic robe and appears peaceful, as if meditating. Disciples and Dharma protectors surround the bed, kneeling or lying on the ground in grief. In the lower register, there are many different animals, including an elephant, horse, bull, tiger, leopard, deer, peacock, crane, hen, turtle, and camel. These animals highlight the teaching of equality in which all sentient beings possess the Buddha potential. On the top right corner, there is an inscription written by a Japanese monk and dates it from 1346.