Artwork

Text, folio 43 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, folio 43 (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 single folio (page) from an ancient Buddhist manuscript, specifically the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, or the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines. Dated to the 12th century, it is executed on a wooden board, a material commonly used for manuscripts in ancient India due to its durability.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the folio is a portion of the Prajnaparamita-sutra, a foundational Mahayana Buddhist text emphasizing the attainment of wisdom. The text, likely in Sanskrit, conveys philosophical and spiritual teachings central to Buddhist practice.

Technique & Style

The manuscript features tightly packed, neat rows of black script, characteristic of ancient Indian manuscript illumination. The use of a wooden board with circular holes near the top suggests a practical design for handling, possibly for educational or scribal purposes.

History & Provenance

Originating from 12th-century India, this folio's provenance is not fully detailed here, but it is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, indicating its recognition as a significant cultural artifact.

Context

Created during a period of flourishing Buddhist scholarship in India, this manuscript reflects the importance of written scriptures in the dissemination of Buddhist teachings across Asia.

Legacy

As part of a larger sutra, this folio contributes to the preservation of Buddhist philosophical heritage. Its presence in a Western museum highlights the global interest in and appreciation for ancient Indian and Buddhist cultural achievements.