Doeki, Death of the Buddha

The Parinirvana motif is prominent in Buddhist art across the continent. This Edo period Parinirvana features a reclining Buddha in the center of the image, surrounded by mourners. The Buddha's disproportionally large composition draws further attention to his placement in the work. His mother, The Lady Maya, occupies the upper right corner of the image, looking down upon her son's death. While this image represents death in the context of mourning, Lady Maya's presence reminds viewers of the promise of Nirvana after death.

Image credit to the Smithsonian, National Museum of Asain Art