Who painted Text, Folio 16 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra?

Text, Folio 16 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra was painted by Unknown in 1488.

Where can I see Text, Folio 16 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra?

Text, Folio 16 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Text, Folio 16 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra?

Text, Folio 16 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Text, Folio 16 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

Unknown , 1488

Text, Folio 16 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1488 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Text, Folio 16 (recto) from a Kalpa‑sutra is a painted page that functions as a manuscript fragment.

About this work

Overview

Text, Folio 16 (recto) from a Kalpa‑sutra is a painted page that functions as a manuscript fragment. The surface is a light, aged paper on which dense black ink fills the space in orderly rows, punctuated by occasional red highlights and a prominent red circle at the centre. A thin red border runs along the edges, providing a subtle visual frame.

Subject & Meaning

The page contains script from a Kalpa‑sutra, a genre of Buddhist literature that records rules, rituals and doctrinal instructions. The careful arrangement of the text and the use of red for emphasis suggest a didactic purpose, guiding readers through specific religious or ceremonial directives.

Technique & Style

The work combines calligraphic precision with painterly elements. Black ink is applied in uniform strokes, while the red accents—both the circular mark and the marginal border—are rendered in a contrasting pigment that stands out against the weathered paper. The overall aesthetic reflects traditional manuscript illumination practices.

History & Provenance

The folio is part of a larger Kalpa‑sutra manuscript, likely produced in a monastic setting where scribes copied sacred texts. Its current location in the Cleveland Museum of Art places it within a collection of Asian religious artworks, though specific details of its acquisition are not provided.

Context

Kalpa‑sutras were composed to preserve ritual knowledge and ethical codes within Buddhist communities. Such manuscripts were often handwritten on paper or silk, with occasional colored markings to denote important passages or to aid memorization, aligning with the features observed on this page.