Artwork
Sudhana and a parrot, folio 20 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Sudhana and a parrot, folio 20 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array) is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1104 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1955.49.1.a
- Credit line
- Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
About this work
Overview
This 11th-century Nepalese painting, folio 20 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra manuscript, depicts a pivotal scene in the Buddhist narrative of Sudhana's journey to enlightenment.
Subject & Meaning
Sudhana, a young pilgrim in a red robe, interacts with a bright green parrot under a tree, symbolizing his encounters with guides during his spiritual quest. The parrot plays an active role in the story, serving as a companion that aids Sudhana's progress.
Technique & Style
Characterized by graceful lines and vibrant colors against a flat golden background, the work employs a stylistic convention of the era: the exaggerated 'farther eye' technique to suggest depth.
History & Provenance
Created over 900 years ago in Nepal, this folio is part of a Gandavyuha-sutra manuscript, a Buddhist scripture.
Context
The setting, indicated by the tree, is suggestive of the forests of southern India, reflecting the narrative's geographical backdrop.
Artist & collection
Sudhana and a pair of antelopes, folio 37 (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)
Sudhana and a parrot, folio 20 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Sudhana and an antelope, folio 73 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha, folio 94 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha, folio 94 (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 73 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and an antelope (recto); text (verso)
Sudhana and a pair of antelopes, folio 37 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
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)