Artwork
Folio 94 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha (recto); text (verso)
Folio 94 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha (recto); text (verso) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1100 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting, designated as Folio 94, originates from a Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the "Scripture of the Supreme Array.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The inclusion of a halo around the rishi underscores his sanctity, while Sudhana’s humble posture underscores the virtue of receptivity in Buddhist practice.
The folio depicts Sudhana, the youthful seeker in the narrative cycle of the Gandavyuha-sutra, in the presence of the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha. Sudhana is shown as a small, robed figure kneeling or standing in reverence before the seated sage, who is distinguished by a halo and traditional ascetic attributes such as a topknot and staff. The iconography emphasizes the transmission of wisdom: the rishi’s gesture and gaze direct Sudhana’s spiritual quest, while the surrounding space, though minimally detailed, conveys an atmosphere of contemplation and pilgrimage.
Symbolically, the scene represents the moment when Sudhana receives guidance on the path to enlightenment through encountering virtuous teachers. The inclusion of a halo around the rishi underscores his sanctity, while Sudhana’s humble posture underscores the virtue of receptivity in Buddhist practice.
History & Provenance
Folio 94 of the Gandavyuha-sutra was created in Nepal around 1100 by an unknown artist. The recto depicts Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha, while the verso contains text. The folio entered the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1955, where it is catalogued as accession number 1955.49.2 and remains in the museum’s collection.
It is attributed to an unknown Nepalese painter and formed part of a Gandavyuha‑sutra manuscript. No earlier ownership or commission details are recorded, and no exhibition history has been documented for this object in the sources consulted.
Overview
This painting, designated as Folio 94, originates from a Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the "Scripture of the Supreme Array." The recto side depicts a scene featuring the figures Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha, while the verso contains textual content. Currently housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art, this artwork presents a serene visual narrative, characteristic of illuminated manuscript traditions.
Technique & Style
The composition features two seated figures against a muted, dark background, subtly detailed with trees and rock formations. The rishi's regal crown and white attire contrast with Sudhana's simpler red robe, drawing attention to their distinct roles. A sense of tranquility pervades the scene, conveyed through the figures' calm demeanor and the understated setting, typical of devotional manuscript illustrations.
Artist & collection
- Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha, folio 94 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Folio 20 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and a parrot (recto); Text (verso)
Folio 73 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and an antelope (recto); text (verso)
Sudhana and an antelope, folio 73 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Folio 37 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and a pair of antelopes (recto); text (verso)
Folio 115 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and a buffalo (recto); text (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)
Sudhana and a parrot, folio 20 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Folio 22 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Samantabhadra spinning clouds of things (recto); Text (verso)
Sudhana and a pair of antelopes, folio 37 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Folio 94 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha (recto); text (verso)
Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha, folio 94 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)