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Life of the Buddha - Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings
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Life of the Buddha - Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings
PAKISTAN; circa 3rd–4th century; Schist; 27 x 45 cm; Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum, Hokuto, Japan
The scene is the palace of the Malla princes in Kushinagar, following the Buddha’s passing into parinirvana. Local rulers have demanded his relics after cremation and, when denied, threatened war. The relics are divided into eight portions by the mediation of the brahmin, Drona, and all are satisfied.
The palace is depicted with two stories, supported by Corinthian columns, above which is a roof carried on decorated brackets. The action proceeds from right to left. The dispute over the relics is taking place on the far right at the bottom, with the long-bearded Drona mediating. The division follows at the center and the departure of the ambassadors carrying them is on the broken fragment to the left. On the balcony above are onlookers, some of them female. Turbaned figures are entering on the left carrying what look like reliquaries. A piece of cloth is draped over the balcony at the center. |
