Artwork

Text, Folio 67 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Text, Folio 67 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14
Text, Folio 67 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), by Unknown, unspecified, 14

Text, Folio 67 (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 block features three rows of intricately arranged metal edges, forming patterns of dots and lines that resemble written text.

About this work

Overview

This wooden block features three rows of intricately arranged metal edges, forming patterns of dots and lines that resemble written text. Two circular holes are evenly spaced along the top edge.

Technique & Style

The block was designed for printing, with the metal edges intended to transfer ink onto paper or fabric, creating repeating patterns that mimic Buddhist scripture.

Subject & Meaning

The patterns on the block are associated with the Perfection of Wisdom, a Buddhist text known as the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra, which is a scripture of eight thousand lines.

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.