Text, Folio 24 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
14
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
14
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This is a long wooden block with three rectangular sections. Each section has rows of tiny, carved letters or symbols pressed into the wood. The carving looks precise and uniform, like typewriter keys in a straight line. Two small metal rings stick out near the ends—maybe for carrying or hanging. The symbols aren’t letters we use today. They’re likely an ancient script, carefully arranged for a text about wisdom. The wood shows wear, like it’s been handled a lot over time. If you’re curious about old carved texts, check out The Cleveland Museum of Art for more pieces like this.
