Artwork

Text, folio 45 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, folio 45 (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. The object is a narrow wooden board, divided into three rectangular panels.

About this work

Overview

The object is a narrow wooden board, divided into three rectangular panels. Its surface bears a regular array of minute, evenly spaced dots arranged in straight rows, forming a grid. The wood exhibits a light brown tone and shows signs of wear, indicating age and use.

Context

The dotted grid served as a guide for writing; each dot marked a position where ink could be applied to form characters. Such dot‑filled boards were employed in the manual copying or study of Buddhist scriptures, allowing scribes to align text precisely.

Technique & Style

The board’s construction involves a flat wooden substrate with a painted or stained surface. The dot pattern was likely incised or painted using a fine brush or tool, creating a uniform guide without decorative intent. The simplicity reflects a utilitarian aesthetic typical of monastic scriptoria.

History & Provenance

The piece is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, which holds a range of similar devotional and scholarly artifacts. Its acquisition details are recorded in the museum’s catalog, linking it to the broader corpus of Buddhist manuscript accessories.