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Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Unknown , 14

Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14
Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14

Text, folio 45 (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. The object is a narrow wooden board, divided into three rectangular panels.

Accession no.
1938.301.45.a
Credit line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund

About this work

Overview

The object is a narrow wooden board, divided into three rectangular panels. Its surface bears a regular array of minute, evenly spaced dots arranged in straight rows, forming a grid. The wood exhibits a light brown tone and shows signs of wear, indicating age and use.

Context

The dotted grid served as a guide for writing; each dot marked a position where ink could be applied to form characters. Such dot‑filled boards were employed in the manual copying or study of Buddhist scriptures, allowing scribes to align text precisely.

Technique & Style

The board’s construction involves a flat wooden substrate with a painted or stained surface. The dot pattern was likely incised or painted using a fine brush or tool, creating a uniform guide without decorative intent. The simplicity reflects a utilitarian aesthetic typical of monastic scriptoria.

History & Provenance

The piece is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, which holds a range of similar devotional and scholarly artifacts. Its acquisition details are recorded in the museum’s catalog, linking it to the broader corpus of Buddhist manuscript accessories.

Text, Folio 106 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 106 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)?

Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) was painted by Unknown in 14.

Where can I see Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)?

Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)?

Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is associated with Byzantine icon painting.