Artwork
Text, Folio 113 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 113 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 14 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1938.301.113.a
- Credit line
- Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
About this work
Overview
This wooden block, Folio 113 (recto), is part of a manuscript for the Buddhist scripture Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, or the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines. It features three rows of tightly packed, tiny text carved into its smooth surface.
Subject & Meaning
The text on the block is a portion of an ancient Buddhist scripture, specifically a part of the Prajnaparamita literature, which focuses on the perfection of wisdom, a key concept in Mahayana Buddhism.
Technique & Style
The block exhibits a traditional carving style used over 900 years ago, characterized by reversed, left-to-right text intended for printing onto paper. The tiny letters are precisely cut into the wood.
History & Provenance
While specific historical ownership details are not provided, the block's style dates it to a period over 900 years ago, suggesting its origin in a region practicing Mahayana Buddhism during that time.
Context
Such wooden blocks were crucial for mass-producing Buddhist scriptures through printing, facilitating the widespread dissemination of Buddhist teachings.
Artist & collection
- Text, Folio 135 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 33 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 114 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 118 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 178 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 8 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 82 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 112 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)