Illustrated Manuscript of the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra

INDIA

Dated from the time of the Pala period (circa 8th –12th century), this palm leaf manuscript is thought to have originated in Bihar or Bangladesh. There are colorful illustrations in the middle of each page, at both ends, and around the cordage openings.
Six-Armed Manjusri Bodhisattva, sitting on a lotus throne within a niche, is painted in the center of the top page. Manjusri wears a golden crown and ornaments, and the hands either hold objects or form mudras. The top left hand holds up the sword of wisdom behind the head. Both the lotus throne and the niche are decorated with ornate patterns. In the center of the next page there is an image of the blue Prajnaparamita sitting in full lotus position and forming a mudra with each hand. On the third page area, Tara is shown sitting on a lotus throne. A blue, four-armed Dharma protector with wild golden hair is painted on the fourth page. The Dharma protector has a flaming mandorla and stands upon a prone figure.
The cordage holes in the four pages are surrounded by a yellow square. Within each of the squares there is a gold diamond or an auspicious creature. Stupas or decorative bands are painted on the far ends of the pages.