EN
♡
Leaf from a Buddhist Manuscript (recto) — Sri Lanka, Singhalese, Late 17th century

Click image to view full screen

Written by: Mei WeberSenior Specialist · Illumination (Tezhip)
Illumination (Tezhip) · Catalogue no. 38679
Sri Lanka, Singhalese, Late 17th century

Leaf from a Buddhist Manuscript (recto)

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
Own a comparable work? Consign with us

✓ Authenticity guarantee · ✓ Specialist condition report · ✓ Insured worldwide shipping · ✓ Private-room viewing

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.

Artist / MakerSri Lanka, Singhalese, Late 17th century
Datec. 1700
Culture / OriginSri Lanka, Singhalese, Late 17th century
Mediumfiber paper
DimensionsOverall: 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.)
DepartmentIndian and Southeast Asian Art
TypeManuscript
About the Artist

Full biography →

Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

Condition

A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.

Shipping & Collection

Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.

Buying at Matchless Pieces

Register, verify your identity, and bid online or in a private room. Buyer’s premium and taxes are shown before you confirm.

The Matchless Letter

Sale previews, new discoveries in illumination and miniature, and private-room invitations.