Artwork
Text, Folio 77 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 77 (recto), 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. The object is a narrow wooden printing block, measuring roughly the length of a folio, with three raised rectangular panels.
About this work
Overview
The object is a narrow wooden printing block, measuring roughly the length of a folio, with three raised rectangular panels. Each panel is densely covered with uniformly spaced dots arranged in orderly rows. The wood shows signs of wear, and two small metal rings are attached on either side of the central panel, indicating its functional design.
Subject & Meaning
The block was employed in the production of Buddhist scriptures, specifically for reproducing sections of the Ashtasahasrika Prajñāpāramitā, the “Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines.” The dot matrix served as a template for transferring ink onto paper, facilitating the copying of sacred text.
Technique & Style
The printing method reflects a traditional Nepalese practice of block printing, where a raised surface bearing a dot pattern is inked and pressed onto manuscript pages. The precise, evenly spaced dots demonstrate meticulous craftsmanship, while the metal rings likely functioned as handles for aligning and applying pressure during printing.
History & Provenance
Originating in Nepal, the block formed part of a larger manuscript production process for the Prajñāpāramitā sutra. Over time the wooden piece accumulated wear, attesting to extensive use. It now resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed for study.
Context
During the medieval period, Nepalese monastic communities relied on such wooden blocks to mass‑produce Buddhist texts, ensuring doctrinal consistency across regions. The dot‑based printing technique predates movable type in the area and illustrates the transmission of textual material before modern printing technologies.
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 86 (recto), 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 139 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 76 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, Folio 81 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)
Text, folio 48 (recto), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)