| |
 |
 |
 |
Parinirvana: Buddha Achieving Nirvana
Hakuen (Japanese, active 1850-1870)
Painting, ink, and color on paper
Collection of Dr. Daniel and Mitzie Verne
|
|
Parinivana: Buddha Achieving Nirvana
This painting parodies the traditional representation of this subject. The death of Buddha is actually the moment he achieves nirvana and escapes the endless cycle of death and rebirth.
Hakuen transformed this serious moment into a lively paody with otsue-e subjects. Mourners surround the Buddha. An oni,, a mischievious demand who pretends to be a priest, holds his gong in the air as he beats his drums and chants prayers. The wisteria maiden appears at the left, bringing water to the mourners. Behind her is an oni in the guise of a thunder god beating his drums. The animals along the foreground represent other otsue-e characters and models. The painting would have amused 19th-century viewers familiar with the usual Buddhist imagery.
Page 3 of 16 | On the next page:
Ichikawa Ebizo IV as Takemura Sadanoshin
|
