Artwork

Text, Folio 141 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, Folio 141 (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 strip, Folio 141 (recto), originates from a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist scripture.

About this work

Overview

This wooden strip, Folio 141 (recto), originates from a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist scripture. The long, narrow piece features three rectangular sections adorned with densely packed, tiny black marks in neat rows, set against a worn, golden-brown wood grain. Two small circular holes are present near the edges.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a segment of the Prajnaparamita-sutra, a key Mahayana Buddhist text focusing on the perfection of wisdom. The dense black marks, likely minuscule script, convey sacred teachings central to Buddhist philosophy, though their specific content is not immediately discernible due to their small size.

Technique & Style

The manuscript exhibits meticulous craftsmanship with precise, uniform black marks arranged in orderly rows, suggesting a high degree of scribal skill and attention to detail. The overall appearance reflects traditional manuscript practices of its time, with the worn wood and tiny script evoking an aura of antiquity and careful preservation.

History & Provenance

While specific historical ownership or creation details are not provided, the manuscript's style and material suggest an ancient Asian origin, consistent with the geographical and temporal spread of Prajnaparamita texts. Further provenance information is not available in the given context.

Context

This folio would have been part of a larger manuscript used for study, ritual, or veneration within a Buddhist community. The two circular holes may indicate its use in a specific ritual or storage practice, highlighting its functional as well as spiritual significance.