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Diamond Sutra
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Diamond Sutra
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Diamond Sutra
CHINA; Qing dynasty (1644–1911), dated 1743; By Jin Nong; Regular script; Rubbing
The sutra, written by Jin Nong, is inscribed on a total of nine stone blocks, originally housed in the Avatamsaka Sutra Pagoda of the Xiling Seal Art Society of Hangzhou. As described in Jin's narration, the calligraphy was written in response to his friend Huang Tingjian's request to have a sutra inscribed on stone for mass printing and subsequent distribution to places where the Buddha is venerated. According to scholars, Jin's Diamond Sutra was later used as a reference and engraved by Yuanchun in order to make prints. The prints were then widely distributed generously to various temples and Chan monasteries. As the engraved template was modeled from the same source work, the influence of Jin's calligraphy can be regarded as substantial and far-reaching.
Though written with keen attention and care, the sutra text appears to overlook technical details. An unadorned and largely rustic outlook similar to the two Cuan" steles (Cuan Baozi stele and Cuan Longyan stele) is identifiable |
