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Swat: Life of the Buddha - Cremation
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Swat: Life of the Buddha - Cremation
PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat; circa 2nd–3rd century; Schist; 30.8 x 29.5 cm; Museum of Asian Art, Berlin, Germany
Mahakasyapa hurried back on the seventh day of the Buddha 's passing into parinirvana, according to various accounts, and circumambulated the casket seven times before prostrating to it. The fire then ignites spontaneously.
Mahakasyapa in this panel has just touched his head to the Buddha 's feet, which miraculously protrude from the lotus-decorated casket. The presence of the fire is a unique feature among depictions of this scene. The two turbaned figures standing by the casket are in some accounts said to be princes from the Malla clan pouring melted butter fat onto the flames. |
