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Text, Folio 144 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Unknown , 14

Text, Folio 144 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14
Text, Folio 144 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14

Text, Folio 144 (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. This wooden block is a printing matrix used to produce Buddhist texts.

Accession no.
1938.301.144.b
Credit line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund

About this work

Overview

This wooden block is a printing matrix used to produce Buddhist texts. It features rows of metal edges that form raised letters, creating a grid pattern.

Technique & Style

The block's metal edges were used to stamp ink onto paper, allowing for mass production of identical texts. The text is densely packed, with no empty spaces.

Subject & Meaning

The block was used to print the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines, a Buddhist scripture. The text is likely a passage from this sutra, reproduced multiple times.

Context

This printing block is an example of early Buddhist printing technology, used to disseminate sacred texts.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

MORE BY UNKNOWN

VISUALLY SIMILAR

Similarity 98 percent
This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Text, Folio 144 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)?

Text, Folio 144 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) was painted by Unknown in 14.

Where can I see Text, Folio 144 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)?

Text, Folio 144 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.