Collections: Asian Art: Upper Cover from an Unidentified Manuscript

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Upper Cover from an Unidentified Manuscript

• Medium: Wood, color
• Place Made: Tibet
• Dates: ca. 14th century
• Dimensions: 10 7/8 x 27 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (27.6 x 69.9 x 3.5 cm)
• Collections: Asian Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Southeast Asian Art, 2nd Floor
• Accession Number: 1997.59.3
• Credit Line: Gift of the Asian Art Council
• Image: Overall, 1997.59.3_transp4575.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Upper Cover from an Unidentified Manuscript, ca. 14th century. Wood, color, 10 7/8 x 27 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (27.6 x 69.9 x 3.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council, 1997.59.3 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1997.59.3_transp4575.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Drawing, in black line on red on the inside of a book cover, of twelve dancing female images with long black hair and scarves flowing, within scrolls emanating from a central amrita vase. The jewelry and costume detail of each figure is painted in gold. A floral scroll border emanates from a makara mask at the center of the lower border. Between scrolls are lotus tendrils and flowers. With one exception (the hand of the figure one in from the lower left), the detail is drawn with the fluidity and energy typical of early Buddhist painting in Nepal and Pala India. One panel edge is carved in low relief covered with a gold wash, with floral decoration and the letter "ba". The outer surface is carved with an amrita vase from which flows an interlocking foliate scroll. The outer borders consist of repeated beaded design and overlapping lotus petals.