Artwork

Folio 22 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Samantabhadra spinning clouds of things (recto); Text (verso)

Folio 22 from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Samantabhadra spinning clouds of things (recto); Text (verso) is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1104 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. A long, narrow wooden panel features a small painted scene surrounded by handwritten text in an old script on both sides.

About this work

Overview

A long, narrow wooden panel features a small painted scene surrounded by handwritten text in an old script on both sides.

Technique & Style

The text is densely packed in tiny, neat handwriting, while the painted scene depicts a haloed figure sitting cross-legged with a round, glowing object, executed in faded yet vibrant colors including reds, blues, and golds.

Subject & Meaning

The image likely represents a religious or spiritual figure, possibly associated with the Gandavyuha-sutra, a Buddhist scripture.

History & Provenance

The aged and cracked wood indicates the panel's considerable age, suggesting it is a significant artifact from a historical period, potentially related to Nepalese art.