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 the tantric work known as the Sangrahani Sutra.

About this work

Overview

The object is a single folio from the tantric work known as the Sangrahani Sutra. Executed as a painted manuscript page, it presents Sanskrit text rendered in a compact, flowing hand. The parchment has acquired a warm, yellowed patina, indicating considerable age, and the page is part of a larger codex that once served a ritual or scholarly function.

Subject & Meaning

The text on the leaf belongs to a tantric corpus, a collection of verses and instructions used in esoteric practices. While the specific content of this particular page is not transcribed here, the Sangrahani Sutra traditionally deals with the gathering and preservation of sacred knowledge, suggesting the manuscript’s role as a reference for initiates.

Technique & Style

The script is highly ornamental, with tight line spacing and elaborate flourishes that embellish each character. The calligraphic style combines functional legibility with decorative motifs, typical of high‑status religious manuscripts. Pigments applied to the ink and marginal decorations create a subtle contrast against the aged, golden‑toned surface, enhancing the visual elegance of the page.

History & Provenance

The folio is held by the Detroit Institute of Arts, which maintains a collection of rare Asian manuscripts. Its acquisition date and prior ownership are not detailed in the available description, but the presence of such a piece reflects the museum’s broader effort to preserve and study historic tantric literature.