Art Whisper
Art Whisper
This rare woodblock-printed book from 1368 tells a miraculous story of a prisoner saved by chanting a sutra. Its detailed illustrations, commissioned by a Ming dynasty empress, offer a glimpse into ancient Chinese storytelling and printing techniques.
Get the full experience in Art Whisper
This woodblock-printed book, a rare edition of the King Gao's Avalokitesvara Sutra, presents a story of miraculous deliverance. Its pages tell the tale of a prisoner who, facing execution, was saved by chanting a sutra revealed to him in a dream. The narrative unfolds through richly illustrated scenes, commissioned in 1590 by Empress Dowager Cisheng of the Ming dynasty. Look closely at the delicate lines and intricate details of the woodblock prints, which bring the ancient text to life. The clarity of the ink on paper, even after centuries, speaks to the craftsmanship involved in its creation. This particular scripture, an indigenous Chinese text from the Liang dynasty, gained widespread recognition after King Gao, learning of the prisoner's miraculous escape, ordered its copying and dissemination.
Observe the delicate woodblock lines forming the figures and landscapes.
Notice the intricate details in the clothing and architectural elements.
See how the text and images are integrated on the page.
This rare woodblock-printed book from 1368 tells a miraculous story of a prisoner saved by chanting a sutra. Its detailed illustrations, commissioned by a Ming…
This 'Artist Unknown' represents a vast collection of anonymous creators, whose works like 'Boston Common' and 'Self Portrait' offer glimpses into diverse historical periods and artistic practices.
Read Artist's full story in Art WhisperOpen the App