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Avatamsaka Sutra No. 78, 1200s-1300s. Creator: Unknown
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Avatamsaka Sutra No. 78, 1200s-1300s. Creator: Unknown
Avatamsaka Sutra No. 78, 1200s-1300s. This illuminated manuscript presents one part of a multivolume sacred Buddhist text. In medieval Korea, Buddhism was the most popular religion among common people and the upper classes alike. This elegant folding book was produced at the request of a high-ranking official as a way of proving religious faith. It is written in gold (the frontispiece and borders) and silver (the calligraphy) ink on specially coloured paper. The golden brushwork of the frontispiece depicts a temple courtyard filled with buildings, a garden, and a fence in front of which stands a group of stately figures. The tallest figure, Buddha of the Future (Maitreya), addresses the young kneeling pilgrim who asks questions about the path towards spiritual awakening. This story is written in the columns of bold, silver text following the illustration. Each column contains 17 characters, each carefully brushed onto the paper so as to visually relate to the characters above and below. This is the work by rigorously trained Buddhist monks in whose temples some of the worlds greatest libraries existed in the 1200s and 1300s. So prized were their talents that these scribes traveled to China to demonstrate their skills. The Japanese avidly collected the texts too, so much so that most Korean sutras reside in that country today. This example is one of only five or six to be found in Western collections
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Media ID 19649021
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Bound Volume Korea Goryeo Period 918 1392
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This print showcases the Avatamsaka Sutra No. 78, an illuminated manuscript from the 1200s-1300s. Created by an unknown artist, this sacred Buddhist text was highly revered in medieval Korea, where Buddhism held great significance for both common people and the upper classes. Commissioned by a high-ranking official as a testament of religious devotion, this exquisite folding book is adorned with gold and silver ink on specially colored paper. The frontispiece of this masterpiece features a stunning display of golden brushwork depicting a temple courtyard filled with buildings, gardens, and a fence. Standing before it are majestic figures, among them the Buddha of the Future (Maitreya), engaging in conversation with a young pilgrim who seeks enlightenment. The story unfolds through columns of bold silver calligraphy that gracefully intertwine with each other. These meticulously crafted manuscripts were produced by rigorously trained Buddhist monks residing in temples that housed some of the world's greatest libraries during that era. Their exceptional skills were so highly regarded that they even traveled to China to showcase their expertise. The Japanese also avidly collected these texts, resulting in most Korean sutras finding their home in Japan today. Among Western collections, only five or six examples like this one exist—a testament to its rarity and value. This print captures not just an artistic marvel but also offers us insight into the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions cherished throughout history.
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