Artwork

Text, folio 60 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

Text, folio 60 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra, by Unknown, unspecified, 1450
Text, folio 60 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra, by Unknown, unspecified, 1450

Text, folio 60 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1450 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This work is a painted folio, recto side number 60, taken from a Kalpa‑sutra manuscript.

About this work

Overview

This work is a painted folio, recto side number 60, taken from a Kalpa‑sutra manuscript. Executed on paper, the page is dominated by dense black ink script, punctuated by striking red elements that organize and highlight the composition. The piece is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The folio contains a segment of the Kalpa‑sutra, a Buddhist text outlining monastic discipline and ritual conduct. The central red circle likely serves as a visual marker, perhaps indicating a doctrinal focal point or a pause for contemplation within the reading.

Technique & Style

The calligraphic text is rendered in tight, uniform lines, suggesting a disciplined hand typical of manuscript production. Variations in ink thickness convey a subtle hand‑drawn quality, while the red borders and central disc are applied with a contrasting pigment, creating a clear visual hierarchy on the aged paper.

History & Provenance

Originating as part of a larger religious codex, the folio reflects the manuscript culture of its era. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art through acquisition, though the precise path from its place of creation to the museum remains undocumented in the available record.

Context

Kalpa‑sutras were produced across Asia to codify monastic rules, often copied by scribes in monastic scriptoria. The use of red pigment for emphasis aligns with broader Buddhist manuscript conventions, where color distinguishes headings, marginalia, or important doctrinal points.

Text, folio 6 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra
Text, folio 6 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra, Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Text, folio 60 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra?

Text, folio 60 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra was painted by Unknown in 1450.

Where can I see Text, folio 60 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra?

Text, folio 60 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.