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 a Tantric manuscript identified as the “Sangrahani Sutra.

About this work

Overview

The object is a single folio from a Tantric manuscript identified as the “Sangrahani Sutra.” The page consists solely of text rendered in black ink upon a light‑colored parchment, with occasional passages emphasized in red. No pictorial elements accompany the script, and the composition is organized in a formal, flowing hand that includes decorative flourishes.

Subject & Meaning

The title suggests a religious or esoteric work associated with Tantric practice, likely containing doctrinal or ritual instructions. The selective use of red ink to underline specific words or phrases points to a system of emphasis, perhaps indicating key terms, invocations, or passages of particular spiritual significance within the sutra.

Technique & Style

The calligraphy is executed in a cursive, formal script characterized by intricate loops and ornamental extensions. Ink application appears uniform, while the red highlights are applied with a finer brush, creating a visual hierarchy. The parchment’s beige tone provides a neutral background that enhances legibility and the contrast of the two ink colors.

History & Provenance

The folio is part of the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Its acquisition details are not publicly recorded, but the manuscript’s presence in a major U.S. museum indicates it entered the art market or scholarly circulation at some point, where it has become a resource for researchers of Tantric literature and manuscript studies.

Context

Tantric manuscripts such as this one were traditionally produced in monastic or scholarly settings, often for private study or ritual use. The absence of illustrative material aligns with a focus on textual transmission, a common feature in many esoteric Buddhist and Hindu works where the written word itself is considered a conduit of spiritual power.