Detail View: The AMICA Library: Sutra Cover
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AMICA ID:
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MIA_.97.47
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AMICA Library Year:
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2003
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Object Type:
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Sculpture
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Creator Nationality:
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Tibet
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Tibet
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Title:
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Sutra Cover
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View:
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Front
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Creation Date:
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c. 1200
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Creation Start Date:
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1190
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Creation End Date:
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1210
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Materials and Techniques:
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Carved wood, lacquer and gold leaf
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Classification Term:
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Sculpture
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Dimensions:
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8 x 26 5/8 x 5/8 in. (20.32 x 67.63 x 1.59 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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Owner Location:
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Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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ID Number:
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97.47
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Credit Line:
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Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
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Inscriptions:
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Inscribed:Stamp
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Rights:
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Context:
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This well-preserved book cover once protected the Buddhist manuscript known as Prajnaparamitasutra (The Perfection of Wisdom). By the eleventh and twelfth centuries, this text was accepted as the final scriptural statement of the Mahayana sect's philosophy. It held almost mystical significance for the Tibetan lay community, which commissioned numerous copies of it. The precious palm leaf and paper scriptures were usually protected between a decorated wooden board such as this. The central figure is Prajnaparamita, a deification of the divine word. She is identifiable by her esoteric form and four hands. The upper- right holds the vajra (thunderbolt), and the upper-left the Prajnaparamitasutra. The lower-right hand is in the abhaya, or "fear not" gesture and the lower-left is in the dyana or contemplation position. The image on the right is the compassionate bodhisattva Padmapani (Avalokitsvara) and on the left, Green Tara, the Savioress. The outer border has a total of ten Buddhas in different seated positions. Between the Buddhas are foliated forms and mythological beasts.
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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MIA_.25298c.tif
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