Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Buddha’s death, when he passed from his earthly life to the final release from suffering as an enlightened being, is a confirmation of essential tenets of Buddhist faith. The people witnessing the event here reveal their own imperfect level of enlightenment through their grief. The bodhisattvas, however, enlightened buddhas-to-be who remain tethered to the earthly realm to assist people on their paths to salvation, show a solemn serenity. Except for the Bodhisattva Jizō, who appears as a monk holding a jewel near the center of the bier, these deities are envisioned in princely finery adorning their golden bodies. Shaven-headed disciples weep bitterly, as do the multi-limbed Hindu deities and guardians who have been converted to the Buddha’s teaching. Men and women of every class, joined by more than thirty animals, grieve, and even the blossoms of the sala trees change from pink to blue. Queen Maya, mother of the Buddha, descends from upper right, weeping.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art