Artwork

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

Text, folio 43 (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. This wooden panel, folio 43 (verso), is part of an ancient manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a key Buddhist text.

About this work

Overview

This wooden panel, folio 43 (verso), is part of an ancient manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a key Buddhist text. The long, narrow format features densely packed, black, curved characters arranged in neat rows, covering the entire surface.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a section of the Prajnaparamita-sutra, a foundational Buddhist scripture on the perfection of wisdom. The text's presence on the panel signifies its importance in Buddhist teachings and practice.

Technique & Style

The characters were carefully carved or stamped by hand, demonstrating meticulous craftsmanship over an extended period. The use of black ink on wood and the incorporation of small circular marks (likely punctuation or sectional indicators) reflect traditional manuscript practices.

History & Provenance

Origin details are not specified, but the style and material suggest an ancient Asian (possibly Indian or Southeast Asian) origin, given the script and Buddhist context. Current location is noted as part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

Created for religious study or ritual, this panel would have been part of a larger manuscript used by Buddhist scholars or monks to contemplate and teach the principles of Prajnaparamita.