Manuscript Cover with the Buddha Shakyamuni, Attended by Manjushri and Vajrapani

ca. early 12th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253

Buddhist texts preserve the word of the Buddha. Originally transmitted orally, his teachings were in due course committed to writing, inked or incised on long slender pages prepared from the leave of the talipot palm. When paper replaced palm-leaf the slender landscape format was preserved. Relatively fragile, these books were protected by pairs of wooden covers, which themselves became a vehicle for depicting Buddhist imagery, as seen here.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Manuscript Cover with the Buddha Shakyamuni, Attended by Manjushri and Vajrapani
Date: ca. early 12th century
Culture: Tibet
Medium: Wood with traces of red paint
Dimensions: H. 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm); W. 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
Classification: Woodwork
Credit Line: Gift of Michael and Georgia de Havenon, 1987
Object Number: 1987.407.6
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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