Detail View: The AMICA Library: Sutra Cover

AMICA ID: 
MIA_.97.47
AMICA Library Year: 
2003
Object Type: 
Sculpture
Creator Nationality: 
Tibet
Creator Name-CRT: 
Tibet
Title: 
Sutra Cover
View: 
Front
Creation Date: 
c. 1200
Creation Start Date: 
1190
Creation End Date: 
1210
Materials and Techniques: 
Carved wood, lacquer and gold leaf
Classification Term: 
Sculpture
Dimensions: 
8 x 26 5/8 x 5/8 in. (20.32 x 67.63 x 1.59 cm)
AMICA Contributor: 
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Owner Location: 
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
ID Number: 
97.47
Credit Line: 
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
Inscriptions: 
Inscribed:Stamp
Rights: 
Context: 
This well-preserved book cover once protected the Buddhist manuscript known as Prajnaparamitasutra (The Perfection of Wisdom). By the eleventh and twelfth centuries, this text was accepted as the final scriptural statement of the Mahayana sect's philosophy. It held almost mystical significance for the Tibetan lay community, which commissioned numerous copies of it. The precious palm leaf and paper scriptures were usually protected between a decorated wooden board such as this. The central figure is Prajnaparamita, a deification of the divine word. She is identifiable by her esoteric form and four hands. The upper- right holds the vajra (thunderbolt), and the upper-left the Prajnaparamitasutra. The lower-right hand is in the abhaya, or "fear not" gesture and the lower-left is in the dyana or contemplation position. The image on the right is the compassionate bodhisattva Padmapani (Avalokitsvara) and on the left, Green Tara, the Savioress. The outer border has a total of ten Buddhas in different seated positions. Between the Buddhas are foliated forms and mythological beasts.
Related Image Identifier Link: 
MIA_.25298c.tif