Artwork

Text, Folio 9 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

Text,  Folio 9 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra, by Unknown, unspecified, 1488
Text,  Folio 9 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra, by Unknown, unspecified, 1488

Text, Folio 9 (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. This work is a painted representation of a manuscript page, identified as Folio 9 (recto) from a Kalpa‑sutra.

About this work

Overview

This work is a painted representation of a manuscript page, identified as Folio 9 (recto) from a Kalpa‑sutra. The surface is a light‑brown paper that shows age‑related stains and minor tears, while the script is rendered in black ink with selective red highlights.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a segment of text in an unidentified language, arranged in horizontal lines. Red accents draw attention to particular words or phrases, suggesting a hierarchical or ritual significance within the original sutra.

Technique & Style

Executed with a decorative hand, the painter employed intricate flourishes and ornamental motifs to emulate a calligraphic script. The contrast between the matte black ink and vivid red elements creates a visual hierarchy, while the aged paper texture adds a sense of historical depth.

History & Provenance

The piece is catalogued as a folio from a Kalpa‑sutra, a genre of Buddhist literature concerned with ritual practice. Its precise origin, date, and creator remain undocumented, and the language of the text has not been identified, limiting further contextual interpretation.

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.