Ancient Manuscript Texts

Palm leaf manuscripts containing sacred texts from ancient India, elaborately inscribed with ink and decorated with traditional designs.

Text, Folio 79 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), Sunday, September 14, 1119 (year 239 of the Newar Samvat in the month of Ashvina). Eastern India, Bihar, Vikramashila Monastery. Painting: Nepal, Kathmandu. Gum tempera and ink on palm leaves; leaf: 5.4 x 56.2 cm (2 1/8 x 22 1/8 in.).
Text, Folio 79 (verso), from a Manuscript of the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines (Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita-sutra), Sunday, September 14, 1119 (year 239 of the Newar Samvat in the month of Ashvina). Eastern India, Bihar, Vikramashila Monastery. Painting: Nepal, Kathmandu. Gum tempera and ink on palm leaves; leaf: 5.4 x 56.2 cm (2 1/8 x 22 1/8 in.).