Artwork

Text, folio 37 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)

Text, folio 37 (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. This object is folio 37 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the Scripture of the Supreme Array.

About this work

Overview

The surface is covered with dense rows of black ink, suggesting its function as a significant written record or sacred text.

This object is folio 37 (verso) from a Gandavyuha-sutra, also known as the Scripture of the Supreme Array. It presents as a long, narrow strip of paper, visibly aged and bearing the marks of extensive use over time. The surface is covered with dense rows of black ink, suggesting its function as a significant written record or sacred text. Its current state reflects a history of handling and preservation.

Subject & Meaning

As a fragment from the Gandavyuha-sutra, this folio contains a portion of a foundational Buddhist scripture. The text, rendered in a formal and ancient script, would have conveyed spiritual teachings or scholarly interpretations central to Buddhist philosophy. Its designation as a "Scripture of the Supreme Array" indicates its profound importance within its original religious or academic context, guiding practitioners or scholars through complex doctrines.

Technique & Style

The text is meticulously inscribed in black ink, filling both sides of the paper strip with tightly arranged rows of an old, formal script. This method of presentation suggests a deliberate and reverent approach to transcription. Over time, the ink has faded in various areas, and the paper itself has acquired a yellowish-brown hue. The physical wear, including small holes, creases, and rough edges, attests to its long history and frequent engagement.

Artist & collection

Museum

Cleveland Museum of Art

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