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 rectangular sheet of aged paper, its surface yellowed by time.

About this work

Overview

The object is a rectangular sheet of aged paper, its surface yellowed by time. A fine red grid overlays the paper, forming twelve horizontal rows and six vertical columns. Within several cells, black characters appear in a flowing, cursive hand, suggesting a systematic arrangement of text across the table-like layout.

Subject & Meaning

The manuscript is identified as the "Sangrahani Sutra," a tantric text. The placement of the script within the grid implies an organized presentation of verses or instructions, typical of ritual or instructional documents in esoteric Buddhist traditions.

Technique & Style

The work combines simple drawing with calligraphic writing. The red grid lines are drawn with a thin pigment, likely applied with a brush or pen, while the black script is rendered in a continuous, connected style, indicating a single hand or a standardized scribal practice.

History & Provenance

The paper’s discoloration and the antiquated script point to considerable age, though precise dating is not provided. Its classification as a tantric manuscript suggests origins within a monastic or scholarly setting where such sutras were copied for study or ritual use.

Context

In the broader corpus of tantric literature, the Sangrahani Sutra would have functioned as a guide for specific meditative or ceremonial practices. The tabular format may reflect an instructional design, facilitating reference during recitation or teaching.

Legacy

Manuscripts of this type contribute to the understanding of how tantric teachings were recorded, organized, and transmitted. The piece exemplifies the material culture of scriptural preservation in Buddhist contexts, offering insight into historical methods of textual arrangement.