Artwork
Text, Folio 110 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 110 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Unknown. It dates from 14 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This work is a fragment from a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist text.
- Accession no.
- 1938.301.110.b
- Credit line
- Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
About this work
Overview
This work is a fragment from a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist text. Specifically, it is Folio 110 (verso), presented on a long, narrow wooden strip. The surface exhibits wear and scratches, indicating age and use.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is the transcription of a portion of the Prajnaparamita-sutra, a key Buddhist scripture focused on the perfection of wisdom. The text's meaning revolves around Buddhist philosophical teachings on emptiness and the path to enlightenment.
Technique & Style
The text is rendered using a unique dot matrix system, where tiny, evenly spaced dots, arranged in a grid, form the written content. This pre-moveable type technique was utilized in Nepal for printing Buddhist texts.
History & Provenance
Originating from Nepal, this folio is part of a larger manuscript. While specific dates of creation and ownership history are not provided, its technique suggests an era before the widespread use of moveable type in the region.
Context
This work is contextualized within the tradition of Buddhist manuscript production in Nepal, highlighting early innovative printing methods. Similar examples can be found at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Artist & collection
Text, Folio 8 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 12 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 48 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 66 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 103 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 164 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 31 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)