Artwork

Text, Folio 87 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, Folio 87 (verso), 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.

Accession no.: 1938.301.87.b
Credit line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund

About this work

Overview

This artifact is a single folio (page) from an ancient manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist text on the perfection of wisdom. The verso (back side) of Folio 87 displays a grid-arranged text in a formal, cursive script on a beige, textured material resembling parchment or vellum, with worn, uneven edges.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a portion of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a key Mahayana Buddhist scripture focusing on the perfection of wisdom. This text explores the nature of reality, emptiness, and the path to enlightenment, reflecting the philosophical and spiritual core of Mahayana Buddhism.

Technique & Style

The text is written in a formal, cursive script, arranged in a grid-like pattern with consistent spacing between lines. The material, likely parchment or vellum, has a subtle texture and warm beige tone, with the script's elegance contrasting against the organic, worn edges of the folio.

History & Provenance

Provenance details are not specified, but the folio is currently part of a larger manuscript held at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Its age and origin suggest it was crafted in a region and time conducive to Buddhist manuscript production, though exact historical context is not provided here.

Context

Created in a context where Buddhist scriptures were meticulously copied for preservation and study, this folio represents the laborious craftsmanship and religious devotion of its time. The use of durable material and formal script underscores its value as both a spiritual text and a physical artifact.