明弘治 三彩佛涅磐組像|Par nirvana (death and transcendence of the Buddha) and attendant arhats
dated 1503
Medium
Earthenware with polychrome glaze
Dimensions
H. 14 in. (35.6 cm); W. 17 1/8 in. (43.5 cm); D. 9 in. (22.9 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
China · Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Hongzhi period (1488–1505)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1925
Accession Number
25.227.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite earthenware sculpture group, titled *Parnirvana (Death and Transcendence of Buddha) and Attendanthats*, captures a pivotal moment in Buddhist iconography: the Buddha's final passing into nirvana, surrounded by his grieving disciples. Dated 1503 and created by the Ming dynasty artist Qiao Bin, the work measures 14 inches high and vividly conveys profound sadness through the slumped postures of the arhats—enlightened followers mourning their master's transcendence. The polychrome glazes in classic sancai (three-color) style—typically green, amber, and cream—bring emotional depth, ...