Title Page from a Buddhist Manuscript

Tibet

late 18th century

Ink, color, and gold on paper, book cover

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A Tibetan Buddhist manuscript cover features two painted vignettes of seated figures flanking panels of text and a central painted deity. The border is ornately patterned. The translation of sutras, or Buddhist teachings, and monastic rituals from the original Sanskrit to Tibetan was a vast and daunting task. Nevertheless, within a relatively short time, Tibetan scholars had created a body of sacred literature comparable to any in Asia. These decorative sheets are title pages, typically framed and veiled with silk. Many Tibetan scriptures were written down on paper specially treated and primed with indigo or black lacquer; against this dark background, elegant silver or gold capital script (<I>dsu-can</I>) stood out brilliantly. The illuminations accompanying the text are painted on separate pieces of