Artwork

Text, Folio 10 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, Folio 10 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14
Text, Folio 10 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14

Text, Folio 10 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 14 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This wooden block is a printing tool used to produce Buddhist texts.

About this work

Overview

This wooden block is a printing tool used to produce Buddhist texts. It features a grid of tiny holes that held ink, which was then transferred to paper to create printed letters.

Technique & Style

The block's surface is covered in evenly spaced holes, arranged in precise patterns resembling written text. Two small circular indentations are visible near the ends.

Context

The block was used to print a Buddhist scripture, specifically the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, or the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines.

History & Provenance

This printing block is associated with Nepalese Buddhist text production.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.