“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.”
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.
- Artist
- Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
- Date
- 1368
- Medium
- Woodblock-printed book; ink on paper
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- 35 × 12 cm (13 3/4 × 4 11/16 in.)
- Collection
- Arts of Asia
- Culture
- China
- Credit line
- Gift of Dorothy Braude Edinburg to the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection
What to Notice
Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
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.
Look for the subtle variations in the ink's intensity.
Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through King Gao's Avalokitesvara Sutra — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
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.
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