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 object is a single folio from a tantric manuscript identified as the Sangrahani Sutra.

About this work

Overview

The composition reflects the manuscript’s function as a religious or philosophical treatise within the broader corpus of Indian esoteric literature.

The object is a single folio from a tantric manuscript identified as the Sangrahani Sutra. Rendered on a light‑colored parchment, the page bears black ink script in a formal cursive hand, accompanied by red marginal lines and decorative symbols that frame the text. The composition reflects the manuscript’s function as a religious or philosophical treatise within the broader corpus of Indian esoteric literature.

Subject & Meaning

The sutra’s content is rooted in tantric tradition, presenting teachings that address the collection and synthesis of spiritual practices. The red embellishments, positioned along the margins and interspersed among the verses, serve both aesthetic and symbolic purposes, marking sections and emphasizing doctrinal points within the text.

Technique & Style

The calligraphy employs a disciplined, flowing script characteristic of formal Sanskrit or Hindi manuscripts, executed with a reed pen on prepared parchment. Red pigments, likely derived from mineral sources, outline the page edges and form occasional iconographic motifs, providing visual hierarchy and enhancing legibility without overwhelming the primary black text.

History & Provenance

While the precise origin of this folio remains undocumented, its material qualities and stylistic attributes align with Indian manuscript production between the 12th and 15th centuries. The page entered the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts through acquisition in the early 20th century, reflecting the institution’s longstanding interest in South Asian religious manuscripts.

Context

Tantric sutras such as the Sangrahani were circulated among monastic and lay practitioners for ritual instruction and meditation. The manuscript’s format—compact, richly annotated, and portable—facilitated private study and transmission of esoteric knowledge within the broader landscape of medieval Indian spiritual literature.