Artwork
Text, folio 115 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Manuscript of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 115 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Manuscript 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 identified as folio 115 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the Manuscript of the Supreme Array.
About this work
Overview
The writing, rendered in black ink, is in an unfamiliar script, suggesting its origin in a distinct cultural or linguistic tradition.
This artwork is identified as folio 115 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the Manuscript of the Supreme Array. It presents a section of text inscribed onto a wooden surface. The writing, rendered in black ink, is in an unfamiliar script, suggesting its origin in a distinct cultural or linguistic tradition. This particular folio represents a fragment of a larger religious manuscript, likely a Buddhist scripture.
Subject & Meaning
The text originates from the Gandavyuha-sutra, a significant Buddhist scripture. This sutra forms the final chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra, or Flower Garland Sutra, which details the spiritual journey of Sudhana in search of enlightenment. As a religious manuscript, this folio would have served a devotional or instructional purpose, conveying profound philosophical and spiritual teachings to its readers within a specific religious tradition.
Technique & Style
The inscription is executed on a piece of light brown wood, which retains a visibly rough texture. Black ink was used to apply the script, which covers the majority of the surface in a dense arrangement. The calligraphy exhibits a decorative quality, characterized by intricate details and elegant flourishes.
This stylistic choice suggests a deliberate aesthetic consideration in the creation of the manuscript, elevating the functional aspect of writing to an art form.
Artist & collection
- Text, folio 20 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 73 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 22 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 37 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 94 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Folio 115 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and a buffalo (recto); text (verso)
