"The Death of Buddha" Japanese Edo Period Scroll

Buddhist traditions differ on the date of the Buddha’s death, but the texts indicate that it occurred after the rainy-season retreat, most likely during the autumn or mid-winter, that is, November to January. Here he is portrayed over-sized in the center of the scene clothed entirely in gold. The unseasonable blooming of leaves and flowers on the sala trees, when the Buddha was laid down between them, was considered miraculous. Those witnessing the Buddha’s passing from earthly life include Bodhisattvas who have achieved Buddha-hood, his shaven-headed disciples, Hindu deities and guardians who have been converted to the Buddha’s teaching, men and women of every class and more than thirty mourning animals. Queen Maya, mother of the Buddha, descends weeping from upper right. All are beautifully present in this refined and confident Edo Period (1600-1868) hand painted Japanese scroll. The richness, sharp detail and nobility of the scroll befits Gautama Buddha who began life as a worldly p