Artwork
Text, Folio 6 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 6 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra) is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 14 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. A wooden printing block bearing the verso of folio 6 from a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist scripture.
About this work
This is a wooden block with three long rows of tiny, sharp metal letters pressed into it.
This is a wooden block with three long rows of tiny, sharp metal letters pressed into it. The letters are arranged in neat columns, ready to stamp ink onto paper. Two small white circles mark the edges—maybe for alignment. The wood looks worn, with a few dark spots where the metal might have rusted over time.
These blocks were used to print Buddhist texts. The Cleveland Museum of Art has the original block for this page, which was made in 1119.
If you like this, look up The Cleveland Museum of Art to see more printed treasures.
Overview
A wooden printing block bearing the verso of folio 6 from a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a Buddhist scripture. The block features intricately arranged metal type.
Technique & Style
The block is composed of three rows of tiny metal characters, arranged in neat columns, with two small circular marks on the edges, likely for registration purposes. The metal type appears worn, with signs of rust in some areas.
History & Provenance
The printing block was created in 1119 and is now held by The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The text is part of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, a key Buddhist scripture known as the 'Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines', central to Mahayana Buddhist philosophy.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
Text, Folio 8 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 12 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 29 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 22 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)