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Nehan: Death of the Buddha

Unknown

1650

ink

silk

From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago

Baroque Ukiyo-e Baroque Religious

Dominant colour

Nehan: Death of the Buddha is a 1650 ink by Unknown, a Baroque work, held at Art Institute of Chicago.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1650 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Art Institute of Chicago

About this work

You see a long, golden scroll showing the Buddha lying on his side under a tree, surrounded by mourners and animals. The scene glows with soft colors and fine lines. This painting comes from Japan’s Edo period, when artists often used gold leaf to suggest sacred light. The Buddha’s calm face and the careful details of the leaves make the moment feel still, almost timeless. No one knows who painted it, but the work was likely made for a temple. To see more scrolls like this, visit the Art Institute of Chicago.