Ōtsu-e Nirvana of the Buddha (Ōtsu-e Butsu Nehanzu)
Medium
hanging scroll, ink and color on paper
Dimensions
201.9 × 78.7 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Collection of Dr. Daniel Verne and Mitzie Verne
Accession Number
2016.306
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
About this artwork
The 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 (see The Death of the Buddha [1916.1141]) into a lively parody with otsu-e subjects. Mourners surround the Buddha. An oni, 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 ...