Artwork

白描印相図巻|Scroll of Mudras

白描印相図巻|Scroll of Mudras is an ink painting. It dates from 1092 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Scroll of Mudras is a handscroll composed of ink on paper, presenting a series of rapid, unrefined sketches of hands.

About this work

Overview

The Scroll of Mudras is a handscroll composed of ink on paper, presenting a series of rapid, unrefined sketches of hands. Each figure is rendered from a slightly varied perspective, creating a sequential visual record akin to successive frames. The work’s informal quality, marked by visible line corrections and tremulous strokes, suggests a purpose beyond decorative display.

Subject & Meaning

The drawings depict a range of hand positions traditionally employed in Buddhist ritual, known as mudras. By isolating the gestures, the scroll functions as a visual guide to the precise formation of these symbolic movements, which convey specific spiritual meanings within monastic practice.

Technique & Style

Executed with swift ink lines, the artist allowed the drawing process to remain evident; stray marks and adjustments are left intact. This candid approach emphasizes the gestural nature of the study, prioritizing anatomical accuracy and the capture of motion over polished finish.

History & Provenance

Scholars have proposed that the scroll served as a teaching aid for Buddhist monks learning mudras, though its exact origin and creator remain unidentified. The piece survives as a rare example of instructional material from the period, offering insight into monastic training methods.

Context

Within the broader tradition of Buddhist visual pedagogy, the scroll aligns with other didactic artworks that convey ritual knowledge through illustration. Its focus on the human hand reflects a longstanding artistic interest in the anatomy and symbolic potential of this body part.