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Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha, folio 94 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)

Unknown

1104

unspecified

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Medieval Religious Nepal

Dominant colour

Sudhana and the rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha, folio 94 (recto) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array) is a 1104 unspecified by Unknown, depicting Nepal, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1104
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

A young pilgrim kneels before a sage who touches his head. Behind them, a tall banner flutters with golden script. The scene glows with reds, blues, and greens, flat but bright. This painting comes from a sacred Buddhist text called the *Gandavyuha-sutra*. It shows a moment of teaching passed directly from teacher to student. The banner’s words mark the lesson’s name—"Undefeated Banner"—a rare detail that matches the story exactly. To see more art like this, look up Nepal.

The story of this work

Overview

The enlightened sage ( rishi ) places his hand on the pilgrim Sudhana's head and transmits his teachings through a trance-like vision. The name of his teaching is "Undefeated Banner," and the artist has painted an identifying banner behind him, at the right edge. This is one of the few paintings of this manuscript that explicitly relates to the text.