Artwork

Tantric Manuscript, "Sangrahani Sutra"

Tantric Manuscript, "Sangrahani Sutra", by Unknown, unspecified
Tantric Manuscript, "Sangrahani Sutra", by Unknown, unspecified

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 historic manuscript, featuring a block of text rendered in an unidentified script.

About this work

Overview

The object is a single folio from a historic manuscript, featuring a block of text rendered in an unidentified script. The page is composed of yellowed paper, with the main body of the writing in black ink and decorative red elements framing the margins and emphasizing portions of the text.

Subject & Meaning

The content appears to be a religious or spiritual treatise, likely associated with Hindu or Buddhist traditions, as suggested by the title “Sangrahani Sutra.” The presence of red highlights and marginal lines traditionally signals passages of particular doctrinal significance within such texts.

Technique & Style

The manuscript employs a two‑tone ink palette: dense black script for the primary narrative and vivid red for marginal borders and selective emphasis. The paper’s aged, yellowed surface indicates a long period of use, while the precise, intricate lettering reflects a skilled hand accustomed to copying sacred literature.

History & Provenance

The folio’s exact origin remains uncertain, as the script has not been identified and no explicit colophon is present. Its material qualities place it within the broader corpus of South Asian religious manuscripts that circulated in monastic libraries, and similar examples are held in collections such as the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known