Artwork
Text, folio 73 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 73 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1100 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This artifact is a single leaf, folio 73 (verso), from a Buddhist scripture known as the Gandavyuha-sutra, or "Scripture of the Supreme Array." Dating back over a millennium, the piece presents a long, narrow strip of material bearing tightly packed rows of faded black ink. Its appearance suggests considerable age and wear, with visible cracks and areas where the surface has deteriorated.
Subject & Meaning
The Gandavyuha-sutra forms the concluding chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra, a foundational text within Mahayana Buddhism.
The Gandavyuha-sutra forms the concluding chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra, a foundational text within Mahayana Buddhism. This particular scripture details the spiritual journey of Sudhana, a young seeker who travels to various teachers and bodhisattvas to learn the path to enlightenment. As folio 73 (verso), this fragment contains a specific portion of this extensive narrative, contributing to the overarching philosophical and moral teachings of the larger work.
Technique & Style
The text is rendered in black ink, applied with an angular and precise script, characteristic of ancient calligraphic practices. The characters are densely arranged in horizontal rows across the narrow surface. Over time, the ink has faded and appears uneven in places, reflecting the natural degradation of such aged materials. The surface itself, now appearing worn and rigid, exhibits cracks and areas of damage, indicating its fragility and long history.
History & Provenance
Created more than a thousand years ago, this manuscript leaf represents a significant historical document. Its survival over such a long period underscores the enduring importance of Buddhist scriptures and the dedication involved in their creation and preservation. While specific details of its journey are not provided, its current state reflects the passage of centuries, during which it likely served as a revered object of study or devotion.
Artist & collection
Text, folio 94 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 115 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Manuscript of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 37 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 22 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, folio 20 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)
Text, Folio 6 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 40 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 33 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)