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 single folio from a historic tantric manuscript titled the Sangrahani Sutra.

About this work

Overview

The work is a single folio from a historic tantric manuscript titled the Sangrahani Sutra. It consists of a central block of black‑ink script surrounded by an ornamental border that combines vivid geometric bands with stylized floral motifs. The page functions both as a textual source and as an example of manuscript illumination typical of its cultural milieu.

Subject & Meaning

The primary content comprises the Sutra’s verses, rendered in a script that is not readily legible to contemporary viewers. The surrounding decorative elements—interlaced flowers in pink and blue and linear patterns in red, yellow, and green—serve a ritualistic purpose, framing the sacred text and enhancing its contemplative atmosphere.

Technique & Style

The illumination employs mineral pigments for the bright border colors, applied with fine brushes to achieve precise geometric lines and delicate floral outlines. The black ink of the main text appears to be iron‑gall, a common medium for durable manuscript writing. Red symbols interspersed among the script likely function as marginalia or protective marks.

History & Provenance

While the exact origin of the manuscript is unspecified, its tantric content and decorative scheme align with South Asian religious art traditions. The folio is presently held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts, where it forms part of the museum’s broader assemblage of Asian manuscripts.

Context

Tantric sutras were often compiled and illustrated by monastic scribes, integrating textual transmission with visual symbolism. The use of vivid borders reflects a broader aesthetic in which the visual framing of sacred words reinforces their esoteric significance.