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Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen, 1368
This 14th-century woodblock-printed sutra is a testament to early printing technology and the enduring devotion to Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, in Yuan dynasty China. It's a rare and beautifully preserved example of a sacred text made accessible through innovative printing methods.
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This woodblock-printed book, dating from 1368, offers a rare glimpse into the devotional practices of the Yuan dynasty in China. The "King Gao's Avalokitesvara Sutra" is a Buddhist text dedicated to Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, widely revered across East Asia. Woodblock printing, a technology that flourished in China centuries before Gutenberg, allowed for the widespread dissemination of religious texts like this sutra, making Buddhist teachings accessible to a broader audience. The delicate ink on paper, measuring 35 by 12 centimeters, suggests a format that was both portable and precious, likely used for personal study or meditation. While the artist remains unknown, the survival of such a well-preserved example from the 14th century speaks to the enduring spiritual significance and careful preservation of these sacred objects.
The delicate lines of the woodblock print
The texture of the aged paper
The traditional Chinese binding style
This 14th-century woodblock-printed sutra is a testament to early printing technology and the enduring devotion to Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassio…
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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