An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Avatamsaka Sutra No. 781300s
This illuminated manuscript presents one part of the multivolume sacred text titled <em>Avatamsaka </em>(Flower Garland) sutra. Both the script and the image are rendered in gold ink on the smooth surface of the dark blue, indigo-dyed mulberry paper. This portion of the text, which reads from right to left, describes the encounter of the Buddha of the Future (Maitreya) and the young pilgrim Sudhana. The Buddha gives his words of wisdom to Sudhana, who asks questions about the path toward spiritual awakening. <br><br>Mixed with ink and glue, the gold has a brilliance that strikingly reflects Sudhana’s ardent quest for understanding the way to reach enlightenment.
The pristine condition of this manuscript indicates that it was rarely used after its creation, revealing that the act of making a manuscript rather than reading it was the main religious goal.
Folded book with illustrated frontispiece; gold and silver on mulberry paper
Book: 20.6 x 43.7 cm (8 1/8 x 17 3/16 in.); Each page: 20.7 x 11 cm (8 1/8 x 4 5/16 in.)
The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
In a world tinged with serenity, an exquisite illuminated manuscript unfolds like a delicate flower blooming in stillness. It serves as a fragment of a vast sacred tapestry known as the <em>Avatamsaka</em>, or the Flower Garland sutra. The richness of the golden script glimmers against the deep indigo backdrop of the mulberry paper, creating a striking contrast that beckons the viewer to step closer, to immerse themselves in its story.
As the eye traces the elegant characters, rendered in shimmering gold ink that seems alive with a soft glow, one can almost hear the whispers of ages past. The text flows gracefully from right to left, inviting exploration. Within these sacred lines, we find a poignant meeting between the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya, and a young seeker named Sudhana, whose heart brims with questions and aspirations.
Sudhana stands at the cusp of his spiritual journey, a pilgrim yearning for wisdom. His eyes sparkle with curiosity, each query an echo of his vibrant soul’s quest for enlightenment. Maitreya, with the calm assurance of a guide, shares profound insights, illuminating Sudhana's path like gentle morning light breaking through the mist.
The gold ink, a mix of lustrous powder and steadfast glue, glints like the sun on a tranquil lake, reflecting the purity of Sudhana’s yearning heart. In this moment captured on paper, the manuscript becomes more than just text; it transforms into a mirror of the human spirit, a reminder that the pursuit of understanding is as timeless as the stars that twinkle above.
As we reflect on this piece, it becomes evident that the essence of this manuscript lies not just in its words but in the resonance of its story—a tale of seeking, learning, and the intricate dance between the seeker and the sage. It whispers to us, urging us to continue our quest, to ask our questions, and to embrace the beauty of our own spiritual journeys.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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