Nehan (Death scene of a famous poet), Yokoi Kinkoku

Exhibition Label:
“The Sacred and the Secular: Buddhist Imagery in Religious and Popular Contexts,” Oct-2005, Hillary Pedersen
When the moment of his physical death and final nirvana was near, Sakyamuni lay down on a dais set in a grove of trees, surrounded by his mourning disciples. Also in attendance were bodhisattvas, kings of heaven, celestial guardians and even animals, signifying that every form of life, even dogs, birds, mice and insects, mourned Buddha’s departure from this world. These scenes of the Buddha’s final nirvana are called nehan, and this painting appropriates the theme and composition to render the death of a popular seventeenth century poet, Matsuo Bash-o. Bash-o takes the place of the Buddha on the dais, while the Buddha’s mourning disciples are replaced by solemn followers of the poet. The grouping of animals remains the same, with even turtles and ducks emerging from the stream to pay respects to the revered poet. The bold, calligraphic lines provide structure for the delicate wash-like colors, imparting a balanced
softness to the somber scene. Actual nehan scenes would be venerated on certain days in a temple setting, but this painting depicts a popular subject matter and would not be used in a worship context.