Artwork
Text, Folio 122 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 122 (verso), 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.
- 1938.301.122.b
- Credit line
- Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
About this work
This is a long, narrow wooden board covered in tiny, neat holes arranged in rows. The holes are carved in precise patterns, almost like a grid of dots. The wood looks worn but still holds its shape.
The board is old, made in 1119 in Nepal. It was likely used to help copy Buddhist texts by hand.
Look up The Cleveland Museum of Art to see where this is kept.
Overview
This 1119 Nepalese wooden board, measuring as a long and narrow format, features meticulously arranged tiny holes in precise patterns, resembling a grid of dots. Crafted from wood, it exhibits wear yet retains its structural integrity.
Subject & Meaning
The board's design and functionality are rooted in Buddhist textual reproduction. The grid-like pattern of holes suggests its use as an aid for scribes copying sacred texts, specifically the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a key Mahayana Buddhist scripture.
Technique & Style
The board showcases meticulous craftsmanship, with holes carved in neat rows, demonstrating precision and patience. The overall design reflects a functional aesthetic, prioritizing utility in facilitating the accurate copying of religious texts.
History & Provenance
Created in 1119 in Nepal, this wooden board was likely utilized by Buddhist scribes for manuscript reproduction. Its current location is The Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is preserved as part of the museum's collection.
Context
Within the context of medieval Nepalese Buddhism, this board represents a practical tool for disseminating sacred knowledge through handwritten manuscripts, highlighting the importance of textual reproduction in religious practice.
Artist & collection
Text, folio 162 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 170 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 64 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 29 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 132 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 172 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)