Artwork
Text, folio 42 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 42 (recto), 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.
- Accession no.
- 1938.301.42.a
- Credit line
- Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
About this work
Overview
This 11th-century Nepalese wooden block is a printing tool for reproducing pages of the Buddhist scripture, Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra. Measuring as a long, narrow block, it features densely packed, evenly carved squares forming rows of text.
Subject & Meaning
The block's text is part of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines, a key Mahayana Buddhist scripture. Its purpose was to mass-produce sacred texts for dissemination, reflecting the importance of scripture in Buddhist practice.
Technique & Style
The block is characterized by meticulous, uniform carving of tiny squares, each designed to hold ink for stamping. Two circular holes, likely serving as alignment markers, are positioned near the ends.
History & Provenance
Crafted in Nepal over 900 years ago, the block is now part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Artist & collection
- Text, folio 54 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 44 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 43 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 179 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 40 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 36 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 173 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 104 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 20 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 39 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 38 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)