Artwork
Text, Folio 114 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 114 (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.
About this work
Overview
This wooden block, Folio 114 (verso), originates from a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist text focused on the Perfection of Wisdom. It features three raised panels of densely packed, sharp letters carved into its surface.
Subject & Meaning
The block's inscribed text is part of a significant Buddhist scripture, the Prajnaparamita-sutra, which explores the concept of wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. The block's purpose was to facilitate the mass production of this sacred text for dissemination.
Technique & Style
Crafted from worn, brown wood, the block exhibits tightly arranged, small letters in rows, characteristic of traditional printing techniques. Small round marks near panel edges may indicate alignment or handling features.
History & Provenance
While specific historical ownership is not detailed here, the block's design and use align with practices of printing Buddhist texts, suggesting origins tied to a Buddhist scriptorial or printing facility, possibly in Asia.
Context
Used for printing exact copies of a Buddhist text page, this block reflects the importance of disseminating religious teachings through early printing technologies, likely serving religious and educational needs within Buddhist communities.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
Text, Folio 114 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 98 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 170 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 125 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 86 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 80 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 66 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 12 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)