Artwork Page for Bottom Cover for a Buddhist Manuscript (recto)

Details / Information for Bottom Cover for a Buddhist Manuscript (recto)

Bottom Cover for a Buddhist Manuscript (recto)

c. 1700

Sri Lanka, Singhalese, Late 17th century

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Medium
Gum tempera on wood
Measurements
Overall: 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Educational Purchase Fund 1949.227.86.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Palm leaf material is still used for manuscripts in Sri Lanka. The palm leaves are prepared first by boiling them, drying them in the sun, and then rubbing them with oils. Scribes then use a metal stylus to incise the text. Then charcoal powder is wiped across the pages, filling in only the inscribed lines.
A horizontally oriented gum tempera painting on a wood panel depicts a muted red surface filled with intricate gold floral and vine patterns. Two small circular holes sit in the center, while borders of repeating red and gold loops line the edges. The outer sides slope inward towards the decorated face, which shows wear and darkening on the right.

Bottom Cover for a Buddhist Manuscript (recto)

c. 1700

Sri Lanka, Singhalese, Late 17th century

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