Who painted Tantric Manuscript "Sangrahani Sutra"?

Tantric Manuscript "Sangrahani Sutra" was painted by Unknown.

Where can I see Tantric Manuscript "Sangrahani Sutra"?

Tantric Manuscript "Sangrahani Sutra" is held by Detroit Institute of Arts.

Artwork

Tantric Manuscript "Sangrahani Sutra"

Tantric Manuscript "Sangrahani Sutra" is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

About this work

Overview

The work titled “Tantric Manuscript ‘Sangrahani Sutra’” is a painted composition organized as a five‑by‑five grid, yielding twenty‑five individual panels. Each panel presents a distinct motif—ranging from floral forms and human figures to abstract decorative schemes—rendered in a vivid palette of reds, yellows, blues and greens.

Subject & Meaning

The varied imagery reflects themes common to tantric visual culture, where symbolic representations of deities, natural elements and geometric designs serve ritual and meditative purposes. The inclusion of both figurative and abstract elements suggests a synthesis of narrative and esoteric content within the manuscript tradition.

Technique & Style

Executed with meticulous brushwork, the painting employs bold, saturated colors and precise line work to delineate each square’s design. The overall aesthetic aligns with traditional Indian miniature and manuscript painting, characterized by intricate detailing, flat areas of color and a strong emphasis on decorative patterning.

History & Provenance

While specific ownership records are not provided, the piece is identified as a traditional Indian artwork, likely originating from a regional school that produced tantric manuscripts. Its association with the Detroit Institute of Arts indicates that it has entered a public collection for scholarly study.

Context

The grid format mirrors the organizational structure of many tantric texts, where individual sections correspond to specific verses or visual meditations. The combination of flora, human figures and abstract motifs reflects the broader Indian artistic practice of integrating natural and symbolic worlds within a single visual field.