Sutra of Prince Kubha

CHINA; Sui dynasty

This sutra scroll narrates the Jataka tale of Prince Kubha, who took a vow of silence in order to cultivate his mind and repent for wrongdoings in his previous lives. The king, who was greatly distressed by this, was so overjoyed and inspired when his son finally spoke; after years of worrying about the prince and subsequently neglecting his country, he was at once able to concentrate wholly and more powerfully on his country’s affairs, which consequently led to its great prosperity. A colophon on the back of the scroll indicates that it was written in 589 of the Sui dynasty as an offering of merit by Empress Wenxian, the wife of Emperor Wen (reigned 581–604).
This piece was neatly written with only occasional brushstroke variations. The scripting nevertheless appears flexibly executed, and there is complexity in every stroke. Direction changes are skillfully and finely articulated, showing the dexterity of the calligrapher. The immense range of variety embedded in an immaculate, orderly layout is perhaps what qualifies this calligraphic piece as an impressive imperial manuscript.