Text, folio 166 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

unspecified

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Text, folio 166 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is a 14 unspecified by Unknown, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 14
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This is a wooden block with three long panels. Each panel has rows of tiny, carved letters arranged in neat columns. The wood is light brown, and the letters are a darker, almost black shade. Two small metal rings are attached to the sides, likely for hanging or carrying. The letters look like an early form of writing, possibly used for printing. This kind of block was likely used to stamp ink onto paper or fabric. If you want to see more like this, check out The Cleveland Museum of Art.