Color painting on silk depicting the ‘Buddha Attaining Nirvana’

Color painting on silk depicting the ‘Buddha Attaining Nirvana’​

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Nationally designated Important Cultural Property (designated 1901)
Made: Kamakura period (late 12th – early 14th century)
Henmyōin temple, Senzu, Ushimado
Colour on silk, hanging scroll
Dimensions: 162.0×152.0cm

　This picture, which depicts a reclining Buddha, is estimated to have been made some time around the 13th century. Gold leaf and vibrant colours have been skillfully used throughout the screen, with even the smallest details clearly picked out.
　The motif depicted here is known as “hassou nehan zu ”. The scene of the reclining Buddha in the centre is surrounded by seven other scenes from before and after the Buddha's death, as detailed in the “daihatsu nehan gyo ” sutra (Nirvana Sutra)". 
　In Okayama there are several other images of the same sort. This image is important as a potential influence on those other pieces.

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 Cultural properties in Setouchi city​