The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of July 21, 2026

Horizontally oriented black ink on textured tan palm leaf features three distinct rectangular columns of dense script. The text forms tight, rhythmic rows. Two small circular voids bisect the gaps between these script blocks, creating geometric balance. Weathered, irregular edges frame the leaf, while fine horizontal grain lines run behind the ink. Small, handwritten numbers mark the margins, adding delicate detail to the structured, repetitive layout of the blocky characters.

Text, Folio 134 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)

Sunday, September 14, 1119 (year 239 of the Newar Samvat in the month of Ashvina)

Eastern India, Bihar, Vikramashila Monastery. Painting: Nepal, Kathmandu

gum tempera and ink on palm leaves
Leaf: 5.4 x 56.2 cm (2 1/8 x 22 1/8 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1938.301.134.b
Location: Not on view
  • ?–1938
    (Heeramaneck Galleries, New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)
    1938–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Text, Folio 134 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra)|url=false|author=|year=Sunday, September 14, 1119 (year 239 of the Newar Samvat in the month of Ashvina)|access-date=21 July 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1938.301.134.b