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Sutra Covers with the Eight Buddhist Treasures

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle period (1403–24)
Not on view
This pair of red lacquered wood covers once protected a copy of the Sutra of the Great Aeon. On each, the central triple flaming jewel, symbolizing the three jewels of Buddhism, is flanked by four of the Eight Buddhist Treasures, which include the wheel, parasol, knot, paired fish, canopy, lotus, jar, and conch shell. In 1401, Emperor Yongle ordered the printing of the Tibetan Buddhist canon (Kangyur). Unlike the scroll or accordion-fold book format of Chinese texts, Tibetan texts were organized as stacks of loose-leaf sheets that would have fit between these covers.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明永樂　紅漆戧金　《佛名經》　夾經板
  • Title: Sutra Covers with the Eight Buddhist Treasures
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle period (1403–24)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Red lacquer, incised decoration, gold inlay
  • Dimensions: L. 28 1/2 in. (72.4 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); H. of each cover 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.500.1.52a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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