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, titled “Sangrahani Sutra,” is a painted manuscript page that presents three seated figures arranged horizontally.

About this work

Overview

The work, titled “Sangrahani Sutra,” is a painted manuscript page that presents three seated figures arranged horizontally. Each figure occupies a chair and is set against a vivid red field edged with elaborate gold ornamentation. The composition is dominated by bright hues—greens, blues, pinks, and reds—creating a striking visual contrast.

Subject & Meaning

The central motif appears to be a ritual or instructional scene, suggested by the title’s reference to a tantric sutra.

The central motif appears to be a ritual or instructional scene, suggested by the title’s reference to a tantric sutra. The three individuals are differentiated by attire and objects: the leftmost figure wears a green dress with red dots and a red head covering; the middle figure is nude except for a striped red‑white cloth and holds a blue item; the rightmost figure dons a pink top with a blue skirt, a green waist cloth, and grasps a white object. The objects may symbolize specific tantric implements.

Technique & Style

Executed in pigment on manuscript support, the painting employs flat, saturated colors and precise line work. Gold leaf or gold paint outlines intricate patterns that frame the scene, enhancing its decorative quality. The stylized rendering of clothing and the lack of spatial depth reflect a conventional iconographic approach typical of ritual manuscript art.

History & Provenance

The piece is identified as a tantric manuscript illustration, though its precise origin, date, and ownership trail are not detailed in the available information. Its title links it to the Sangrahani Sutra, a text within the broader corpus of tantric literature.

Context

Manuscript paintings of this type were commonly produced for use in religious or esoteric instruction, often accompanying textual passages. The vivid coloration and ornate framing align with the visual language employed in South Asian tantric traditions to convey sacred narratives and symbolic meanings.