Text, folio 182 (verso), 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 182 (verso), 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 long wooden block with carved text across its surface. The block is divided into three sections, each filled with rows of tiny, precise characters. The wood shows signs of age and use, with small holes and wear marks. The text is arranged in neat, repeating patterns, suggesting it was used for printing. This kind of block print was a way to copy books before printing presses were common. Look up The Cleveland Museum of Art to see more examples of ancient printed texts.