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 an ancient manuscript identified as the "Sangrahani Sutra," a tantric text.

About this work

Overview

The paper exhibits a warm, yellowed patina that indicates considerable age, and the script is rendered in an elegant, flowing cursive.

The object is a single folio from an ancient manuscript identified as the "Sangrahani Sutra," a tantric text. The page measures roughly the size of a hand‑held sheet and bears dense black lettering arranged in orderly columns, with occasional words emphasized in red pigment. The paper exhibits a warm, yellowed patina that indicates considerable age, and the script is rendered in an elegant, flowing cursive.

Subject & Meaning

The content consists of a religious or spiritual discourse typical of tantric literature, intended for ritual or meditative use. The highlighted red passages likely denote key doctrinal points, invocations, or mantras, guiding the reader’s focus during recitation. Though the specific language remains obscure to contemporary scholars, the structure suggests a systematic compilation of teachings within the broader tantric tradition.

Technique & Style

The text is executed in a fine black ink applied with a brush, producing a uniform, tightly spaced cursive that balances legibility with aesthetic grace. Red accents are added with a separate pigment, creating visual contrast without disrupting the overall monochrome scheme. The manuscript’s surface, now yellowed, reflects the natural oxidation of the paper and the aging of organic inks over centuries.

History & Provenance

The folio originates from a manuscript tradition that circulated in South Asian tantric circles, though its precise geographic origin remains undetermined. Its survival suggests careful preservation, possibly within a monastic library or private collection. The page entered the present institution through acquisition in the early twentieth century, accompanied by limited documentation that identifies it as part of the "Sangrahani Sutra" corpus.