Artwork

Text, Folio 76 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

Text, Folio 76 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra, by Unknown, unspecified, 1488
Text, Folio 76 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra, by Unknown, unspecified, 1488

Text, Folio 76 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1488 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Text, Folio 76 (recto) is a page from a Kalpa-sutra, a religious text, characterized by densely packed, meticulously arranged red and black script in uniform rows, with a prominent bright red circle at its center.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a segment of sacred text, with the red circle and highlighted words in red signifying importance or emphasis within the religious narrative, though specific interpretations depend on the broader Kalpa-sutra context.

Technique & Style

Executed in a careful, uniform script style indicative of its period, the text's precision and the strategic use of red ink for emphasis reflect the reverence and formality with which such scriptures were treated.

History & Provenance

Originating from a Kalpa-sutra, this folio's exact historical context (date, region, scribe) is not specified here, but its style aligns with traditional manuscript practices of its time, emphasizing the text's significance.

Context

Comparable to meticulous manuscript traditions across various cultures, this work shares similarities with later detailed scriptural arts, such as aspects of the Renaissance movement, in terms of reverence for textual representation.

Legacy

As part of a Kalpa-sutra, this folio contributes to the preservation and transmission of religious teachings, influencing subsequent manuscript illuminations and scribal practices in its tradition.

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.