Photo= Keio-ji Temple's Butsu Nehan-zu is exhibited for the first time with Dai Nehan-zu (left) (Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto)

On February 15, "Nehan-e," or a memorial rite related to the anniversary of Buddha's death, was held at Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. A display of two "Nehan-zu," or two sheets of Nirvana paintings depicting the scene of Buddha's death, which were drawn by Sekkei Yamaguchi, a painter of the Kano school in the Edo Period, has also started. "Dai Nehan-zu," owned by Kiyomizu-dera Temple and "Butsu Nehan-zu," on display for the first time and owned by Keio-ji Temple in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, are displayed in the hall.

"Dai Nehan-zu," or a large Nehan-zu painting, measuring approximately 3.9 meters in height and 3 meters in width, was drawn in 1708 and depicts the scene where Buddha is lying under a sal tree with his disciples and animals lamenting his death. "Butsu Nehan-zu," or Buddha Nehan-zu painting, measuring approximately 2.3 meters in height and 1.8 meters in width, was drawn in 1703 and features a depiction of the shape and branches of trees in motion and vivid colors. It was decided to place the two Nehan-zu paintings on exhibit after the chief priest of Keio-ji Temple came to the Nehan-e rite held last year.

The ceremonial rite started at 9:00 a.m. and priests recited a sutra in front of the Nehan-zu. In addition, a memorial service for Ryokei Onishi, the temple's former chief priest who died on the same date 31 years ago, was held. The Nehan-zu will be displayed from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until February 23. There is no admission fee.