Sutra Manuscript
ClassificationsPrinted Materials-religious texts
Date20th Century
Made AtTibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia
MediumPaper and ink
Dimensions3 3/4 × 9 × 5/8 in. (9.5 × 22.9 × 1.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2021.8.28
DescriptionIn Buddhism, sutras are canonical scriptures believed to be a record of the teachings of Buddha. Tibetan Buddhist scriptures are studied by monks, or lamas. Often folded in rectangular form, they are frequently stored with carved wooden scripture covers and silk cloth, and tied together with leather straps and buckles. They are also sometimes rolled, such as the miniscule rolled scriptures which are inserted into the main drum of prayer wheels.This sutra in particular is written with an assortment of multicolored inks referred to as "Eight Treasures" ink. In additional to the inherent auspiciousness assigned to the number eight within Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, they are called this because the ink pigments are made from eight traditionally precious materials: gold, silver, copper, iron, coral, turquoise, pearl, and white conch shell.
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