Heart Sutra

CHINA; Qing dynasty

Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty ascended the throne at the age of 25. Several times per year, during special occasions, the emperor would copy a manuscript of the Heart Sutra by hand. This was continued every year from 1736 until 1774 without fail. By the time he reached 40 years old, Emperor Qianlong started to dedicate even more time to sutra transcription. This was where his large collection of Heart Sutra copies originated.
Emperor Qianlong was a keen painter, calligrapher, and poet. His calligraphy emulated the style of Zhao Mengfu, and his characters were rounded in form with curvilinear brushstrokes. The running script in this piece is smoothly articulated with fine, vigorous strokes, and there is variety in the way each character is written. There is a great degree of influence from Zhao Mengfu in this elegant and graceful manuscript. The sutra is adorned with an illustration of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva standing in a dignified pose with garments articulated in flowing drapery.