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Mathura: Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana
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Mathura: Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana
INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura; circa 3rd century; Red sandstone; H: 45 cm; Government Museum, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
This sculpture depicting the Buddha’s Parinirvana was unearthed from Mathura. The Buddha lies on his right side on a bed with his hand supporting his head. The nimbus is typical of the time, with a beaded surround succeeded by a scalloped edge. Various disciples are about the bed in attitudes of deep grief, apart from the meditating Subhadra to the right. At the head of the bed is Aniruddha, who announced the moment that the Buddha’s life has ended; the defaced figure at its foot is Mahakasyapa, returning too late. To the far left, the spirit of the sala tree under which the scene takes place is scattering blossoms. |
