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 leaf from an ancient manuscript identified as the "Sangrahani Sutra," a text associated with tantric traditions.

About this work

Overview

The object is a single leaf from an ancient manuscript identified as the "Sangrahani Sutra," a text associated with tantric traditions. The page is composed of black ink script on a yellowed, time‑worn support, with thin red lines demarcating textual sections. The edges show signs of age such as stains and tears, indicating long exposure and handling.

Subject & Meaning

The manuscript contains densely packed Sanskrit language, suggesting a religious or philosophical treatise typical of tantric literature. While the page lacks illustrative ornamentation, the formal and elegant hand points to a scholarly or ritual context in which precise transmission of doctrine was paramount.

Technique & Style

The script is executed in a refined black ink, characterized by intricate flourishes that enhance legibility and convey a sense of authority. Red pigment is applied sparingly to separate passages, a common codicological practice for clarifying structure in South Asian manuscript production.

History & Provenance

The leaf is part of a larger codex now held by the Detroit Institute of Arts. Its acquisition reflects the museum's broader collection of South Asian religious manuscripts, though the precise provenance before museum ownership remains undocumented in the available description.

Context

Tantric sutras such as the Sangrahani were traditionally copied by monastic scribes for use in ritual instruction and scholarly study. The manuscript’s formal presentation aligns with the textual transmission practices of medieval Indian religious communities, where accuracy and aesthetic presentation were both valued.