Artwork

Text, Folio 118 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, Folio 118 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Unknown. It dates from 14 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This wooden panel, Folio 118 (recto), is part of a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist text.

About this work

Overview

This wooden panel, Folio 118 (recto), is part of a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist text. The long, narrow format features tightly packed, evenly spaced characters in a Nepalese script, covering almost the entire surface.

Subject & Meaning

The text on the panel is a portion of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines, a key Mahayana Buddhist scripture. The subject matter revolves around the teachings of wisdom (prajnaparamita) central to Buddhist philosophy.

Technique & Style

Characters appear as ink marks pressed into the wood, arranged in neat rows, showcasing a meticulous and uniform scribal technique. The warm, light brown wood provides a natural backdrop.

History & Provenance

Originating from Nepal, the script and style suggest an ancient production date, though specific historical context or ownership history before its current location is not detailed here.

Context

Similar examples can be found at The Cleveland Museum of Art, indicating the panel's relevance within a broader collection of Buddhist manuscripts and Nepalese scribal traditions.

Legacy

As part of a larger manuscript, this folio contributes to the preservation and dissemination of Mahayana Buddhist teachings, reflecting the importance of written texts in Buddhist tradition.