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 painted religious manuscript known as the “Sangrahani Sutra.

About this work

Overview

The work is a painted religious manuscript known as the “Sangrahani Sutra.” Executed on a beige‑toned support, it consists of a tabular layout organized into rows and columns. Black ink fills the cells with an unidentified script, while thin red and yellow lines delineate the grid, adding a modest decorative element.

Subject & Meaning

The manuscript presents a structured list or chart, the precise content of which remains obscure due to the unreadable script. Its format suggests a ritual or ceremonial function, typical of tantric texts that often organize mantras, prayers, or doctrinal classifications for use in specialized religious practices.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a simple yet disciplined hand, applying black pigment for the script and using colored pigments to draw the separating lines. The restrained palette and clear grid reflect a utilitarian aesthetic, prioritizing legibility and order over elaborate illustration, a common approach in manuscript production intended for scholarly or liturgical use.

History & Provenance

The painted sheet is part of the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Its acquisition history is not detailed in the available information, but its presence in a major museum underscores its value as a primary source for the study of the artistic and religious practices of the period in which it was created.

Context

Tantric manuscripts such as this one were produced within a tradition that combined textual transmission with visual organization. The use of colored grid lines aligns with broader South Asian manuscript conventions, where color coding often aided memorization and ritual performance, situating the work within a network of devotional literature.