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. The work is a page from an ancient tantric manuscript identified as the Sangrahani Sutra.

About this work

Overview

The work is a page from an ancient tantric manuscript identified as the Sangrahani Sutra. It presents a bifurcated layout: a left-hand block of densely packed script and a right-hand panel of geometric ornamentation. The page is executed in vivid pigments, notably pink, yellow and red, and demonstrates a high degree of precision in both calligraphic and decorative elements.

Subject & Meaning

The left side contains a sequence of words or phrases rendered in a script that is difficult to decipher, suggesting a liturgical or instructional function typical of tantric texts. The right side displays a symmetrical arrangement of triangles and circles, motifs often associated with esoteric symbolism and meditative visualization practices within the tradition.

Technique & Style

The pigments are applied in a layered manner that creates subtle tonal transitions, a quality reminiscent of the sfumato technique, though employed here for decorative rather than pictorial effect. The geometric design relies on precise line work and balanced composition, indicating the use of drafting tools and a disciplined hand.

History & Provenance

The page originates from the Sangrahani Sutra, a tantric scripture whose manuscript tradition dates to the medieval period in South Asia. The specific codex from which this leaf derives has not been publicly traced, and its current custodial institution is not indicated in the available description.

Context

Tantric manuscripts often combine textual transmission with intricate visual schemata, reflecting a worldview in which diagrammatic forms serve as aids to ritual practice. The juxtaposition of script and geometry on this page exemplifies that integrative approach, aligning verbal doctrine with visual meditation aids.