Artwork
Sudhana and an antelope, folio 73 (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) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1100 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This artwork is a painted folio, specifically folio 73 (recto), from a Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the Scripture of the Supreme Array.
About this work
History & Provenance
It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1955.
Created in 1099 in Nepal, this painting depicts Sudhana and an antelope as part of a Gandavyuha-sutra manuscript. The work is attributed to an unknown artist and is classified as religious art. It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1955.49.3.a.
The specific details regarding its original commission, the identity of the patron, and its ownership history prior to its arrival at the museum are not provided in the available records.
The painting is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, located in Cleveland. It is cataloged under the accession number 1955.49.3.a. The provided sources do not contain information regarding any specific exhibitions in which this folio has been displayed.
Overview
This artwork is a painted folio, specifically folio 73 (recto), from a Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the Scripture of the Supreme Array. It depicts Sudhana alongside an antelope. The piece is a narrow, worn strip of wood, featuring faded script on both sides.
A small, central painted scene illustrates the narrative, characterized by its muted colors and simple forms. The edges of the wooden support show signs of chipping, indicating its age and history.
Subject & Meaning
The central image on this folio presents Sudhana, a key figure in the Gandavyuha-sutra, in the company of an antelope. This sutra recounts Sudhana's spiritual journey to enlightenment through encounters with various teachers. The inclusion of the antelope likely symbolizes one of the many beings or lessons encountered during his quest, reflecting the narrative's emphasis on universal wisdom and compassion within the Buddhist tradition.
Technique & Style
The painting is executed on a narrow wooden strip, which serves as both the support for the text and the small illustration. The colors employed in the depiction of the leafy plant and the deer-like animal are muted, contributing to an overall subdued aesthetic. The forms are rendered with simplicity, standing out against a dark background.
The presence of faded script on both sides of the wood indicates its function as a manuscript page, with the image integrated into the textual content.
Context
As a folio from the Gandavyuha-sutra, this piece originates from a significant Buddhist scripture. The text, also known as the "Scripture of the Supreme Array," details the pilgrimage of Sudhana, a youth seeking ultimate truth. Such illustrated folios were integral to religious manuscripts, combining visual storytelling with sacred texts to aid in contemplation and instruction.
The old script and the nature of the subject matter firmly place this artwork within a tradition of devotional art.
Artist & collection
- Folio 73 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and an antelope (recto); text (verso)
Folio 37 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and a pair of antelopes (recto); text (verso)
Folio 22 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Samantabhadra spinning clouds of things (recto); Text (verso)
Folio 115 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and a buffalo (recto); text (verso)
Sudhana and a parrot, folio 20 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
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)
Sudhana and a buffalo, folio 115 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Samantabhadra spinning clouds of things, folio 22 (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 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)
Bodhisattva Samantabhadra purifies the path to enlightenment, with Manjushri, folio 348 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Bodhisattva Manjushri with two forms of Avalokiteshvara, folio 348 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Samantabhadra spinning clouds of things, folio 22 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)