BUDDHA IN PARINIRVANA
Art of Gandhara
2nd – 3rd century
Schist,  CM. 22 BY 29

The frieze depicts the Buddha’s death or rather his entry into nirvana. He lies on his left side and rests his head on his folded arm; his robe covers his entire body and his head is framed by the nimbus. He is surrounded by pupils and followers; one disciple extends his hand toward a fellow disciple, prostrate with pain, to help him rise from the ground; at the foot of the bed, with his back to him, another disciple sits in meditation.

The frieze has been presented at the exhibition “The Art of Buddhism” and published on the catalogue at page. 76.