Artwork
Text, Folio 59 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 59 (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.
- 1938.301.59.a
- Credit line
- Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
About this work
Overview
Text, Folio 59 (recto), is a wooden strip from an Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra manuscript, featuring three rectangular sections with precisely patterned holes in black ink, indicating a functional rather than decorative purpose.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is the textual content of the Prajnaparamita-sutra, a key Mahayana Buddhist scripture. The holes, arranged in specific patterns, likely served as a reading or writing aid, possibly for aligning text or marking positions within the manuscript.
Technique & Style
The strip features evenly spaced, precisely made holes in black ink, set in three distinct rectangular areas. The worn wood suggests age and use. Two aligned white dots near the ends may indicate additional functional markings.
History & Provenance
Originally part of a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, this folio's specific historical context and ownership history before its current location are not detailed here.
Context
This wooden strip would have been used in a Buddhist scholarly or monastic setting, facilitating the reading or copying of the Prajnaparamita-sutra, a foundational text for Mahayana Buddhist philosophy.
Legacy
As part of a broader collection of ancient manuscripts, this object contributes to the understanding of historical Buddhist textual practices and the tools used in their dissemination.
Artist & collection
- Text, Folio 99 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 49 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 65 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 111 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 88 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 9 (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 95 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)