Artwork

Text, folio 184 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, folio 184 (verso), 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.

About this work

Overview

This artwork is a single folio (page) from an ancient manuscript, specifically folio 184 (verso), of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, or the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines. The piece is a narrow, light brown parchment or vellum page.

Subject & Meaning

The text on the folio is a segment of a significant Buddhist scripture, the Prajnaparamita-sutra, which focuses on the perfection of wisdom, a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism. The divisions and ornate headings suggest a structured, revered religious or philosophical text.

Technique & Style

The text is written in a formal, cursive script resembling Sanskrit or an ancient Indian language, with flourishes and decorations. Headings are rendered in a larger, more ornate version of the same script, indicating a deliberate emphasis on hierarchy and importance.

Context

Given its content and script style, this folio originates from the Buddhist tradition in ancient India, reflecting the manuscript culture of preserving sacred texts on durable materials like parchment or vellum.

History & Provenance

Specific details about the folio's history, creation date, and ownership history are not provided in the available information.

Legacy

As part of the Prajnaparamita-sutra, this folio contributes to the broader legacy of Buddhist textual heritage, influencing philosophical and religious practices across Asia.