Illustrated Manuscript of the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra

INDIA

This illustrated manuscript of the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra written in Sanskrit consists of two covers and 339 illustrated pages. The sutra is part of the collection of sutras related to prajna (wisdom), which includes the Satasaharika Prajnaparamita Sutra, Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Diamond Sutra. These sutras discuss the concepts of emptiness and compassion, and were influential to the development of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. The oldest of these sutras is the Sanskrit version of the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra, which first appeared in 100 BCE.
Although there are some abrasions on the covers, the images are still clear. They illustrate eight scenes from the Life of the Buddha in vibrant colors. The scenes are painted within rectangular boxes with alternating blue and red backgrounds. The figures stand or sit in dynamic poses, often arranged around the Buddha, who wears a red monastic robe and has a tall usnisa.
The illustrated page of the sutra shown here has a white Buddha in the center. Seated with legs crossed on a lotus throne, the Buddha is adorned with ornaments and forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra with the right hand, while the left hand holds a long-stemmed lotus. The white mandorla is decorated with triangles and scrolling patterns. Above the mandorla, there is a blossoming tree.