Artwork

Text, folio 168 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, folio 168 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Unknown. It dates from 14 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. A wooden printing block features rows of small metal characters embedded in its surface, arranged in uniform columns.

About this work

Overview

A wooden printing block features rows of small metal characters embedded in its surface, arranged in uniform columns. The block is long and narrow, with two small holes near its edges.

Technique & Style

The characters were likely pressed into the wood, creating a tool for mass-producing text. The uniformity of the characters and their arrangement suggests a high degree of craftsmanship.

History & Provenance

This printing block is part of a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist scripture. It is housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

The block was used to print a specific folio (168 recto) from the scripture, indicating its role in disseminating Buddhist texts.