Artwork

Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara (recto); Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri (verso)

Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara (recto); Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri (verso), unspecified, 1100
Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara (recto); Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri (verso), unspecified, 1100

Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara (recto); Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri (verso) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1100 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting, Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra, depicts significant Buddhist figures across its recto and verso.

About this work

Overview

Despite the passage of time, which has faded the pigments, the artwork retains its vibrant color palette and the serene expressions of its subjects.

This painting, Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra, depicts significant Buddhist figures across its recto and verso. The rectangular panel presents four distinct scenes, each featuring figures in red robes with golden halos. Despite the passage of time, which has faded the pigments, the artwork retains its vibrant color palette and the serene expressions of its subjects. It serves as an illustrative component of a larger religious manuscript.

Subject & Meaning

The folio illustrates key Bodhisattvas from the Gandavyuha-sutra. The recto side features Manjushri alongside two manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, figures revered for their wisdom and compassion. On the verso, Samantabhadra is depicted purifying the path to enlightenment, accompanied by Manjushri.

These portrayals visually reinforce the sutra's teachings on spiritual journeys and the roles of these enlightened beings in guiding practitioners.

Technique & Style

The artwork is characterized by its small, colorful scenes set against a predominantly dark background. Figures are rendered with calm countenances, adorned in red robes, and distinguished by gold halos. While the paint shows signs of wear and fading, the original brightness of the clothing remains discernible.

The presence of an ancient script, likely Sanskrit, integrated into the composition further identifies the piece as a painted manuscript page.

Context

This painted folio originates from the Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the "Scripture of the Supreme Array," a foundational text within Mahayana Buddhism. Such illustrated manuscripts were crucial for disseminating and understanding complex religious narratives. The integration of painted imagery with an ancient script, possibly Sanskrit, underscores its function as both a devotional object and a textual aid for Buddhist teachings, providing visual interpretations of sacred narratives.

Folio 73 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and an antelope (recto); text (verso)
Folio 73 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and an antelope (recto); text (verso)

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara (recto); Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri (verso)?

Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara (recto); Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri (verso) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara (recto); Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri (verso)?

Folio 348 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara (recto); Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri (verso) is associated with Song dynasty landscape.