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 the Tantric manuscript known as the Sangrahani Sutra.

About this work

Overview

The object is a single leaf from the Tantric manuscript known as the Sangrahani Sutra. Rendered on aged, yellowed paper, the page contains densely written Sanskrit text in black ink, interspersed with red lines and markings that highlight portions of the script. The manuscript lacks illustrative imagery, focusing entirely on textual content.

Subject & Meaning

The Sangrahani Sutra belongs to a class of tantric Buddhist texts that compile ritual formulas, doctrinal expositions, and meditative instructions. The presence of red rubrication suggests sections intended for emphasis, likely indicating liturgical cues or important doctrinal points within the sutra.

Technique & Style

The page demonstrates traditional Indian manuscript practices: a fine brush delivers the black ink script, while a separate pigment—often vermilion—produces the red markings. The script is tightly set, reflecting a scribal convention aimed at conserving space on costly writing material.

History & Provenance

The leaf is part of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ collection of religious manuscripts. Although the precise origin and date are not specified, the material characteristics and script style align it with medieval tantric productions from the Indian subcontinent, later acquired by the museum through its manuscript acquisition program.

Context

Tantric manuscripts such as this were used in monastic and ritual settings, serving as reference texts for practitioners. The red rubrication would have guided readers during recitation or meditation, marking verses to be chanted or visualized in specific ways.