Last Existence: The Gods entreat the Buddha to preach

Panel with rebated back showing the moment when the Gods entreat the Buddha to preach. In some accounts, the Buddha is reluctant to teach the dharma soon after attaining the Enlightenment. The gods Brahmā and Indra urge the Buddha to overcome his hesitation, persuading him to deliver his teachings. The panel is square, its back is largely projected for fitting purposes. The base is composed of a plain projecting fillet over a row of saw-teeth. The upper end of the panel is defined by the profile of the figures. There are irregular tool marks on the bottom of the panel. The Buddha sits in dhyānamudrā on a seat wrapped in his overrobe with covered feet. Remnants of a plain nimbus are visible around his head. He seems to have fully opened eyes. Indra, on the right, is standing with joined hands, slightly tilted toward the Buddha. He wears an uttarīya and a paridhāna, a necklace, large earrings and a turban with zones and a fantail. Brahmā, on the left, wears a tunic with half naked chest. He has long hair falling in strands on the shoulders. This figure holds a flask in his left hand.