Artwork

Text, Folio 41 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, Folio 41 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14
Text, Folio 41 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14

Text, Folio 41 (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.

About this work

Overview

This artwork is a long, narrow wooden panel featuring a grid of tiny holes, likely used as a stencil or template for replicating text or designs.

Technique & Style

The holes, arranged in neat rows, were punched by hand, suggesting a high degree of precision and craftsmanship. The pattern includes lines and dots, with two larger circular holes breaking the grid near the center.

Subject & Meaning

The panel is associated with a manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines, a Buddhist scripture. The stencil's design likely corresponds to text or illustrations from this sutra.

Context

The use of stencils like this one reflects techniques for mass-producing texts or images, potentially influencing the dissemination of Buddhist scriptures.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.