The Death of the Buddha

Nishimura Shigenobu, also known as Ishikawa Toyonobu later in his career, created this print toward the end of his life. The death of the Buddha (nirvana) was a popular theme with Japanese artists. Animals play an important role in the visualization of this event by unifying the domains of the divine, humans, and non-humans. Among those depicted are an elephant kneeling in reverence to the Buddha and to a mouse, considered by legend to be Buddha’s messenger. The Buddha’s passage from his earthly life and embarkation on the path of enlightenment is witnessed by creatures from all realms of existence. Queen Maya, the Buddha’s mother, descends from heaven (upper right) while human, animal, and supernatural creatures surround the elevated bed to grieve the Buddha’s departure. A large variety of animals such as monkeys, birds, insects, and wild beasts mourn the Buddha, unaware that his passing must be celebrated as an escape from suffering. The artist has drawn from his imagination, or possibly other sources, to depict animals not native to Japan, such as the elephant, tiger, lion, and peacock, but originating from the Buddha’s homeland in South Asia.