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Wang Wenzhao
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Wang Wenzhao
CHINA; Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
Wang Wenzhao was an expert in wood engraving during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). One of the artifacts discovered at Mogao Cave 17 in Dunhuang was an engraving of the Illustrated Mahapratisara Dharani. An inscription at the bottom stated the merits of reciting the dharani and the date of completion. In the center of the print, there is a seated Eight-Armed Bodhisattva, enclosed within a circle of Sanskrit words. Two more vertical inscriptions to the left and right of the circular wordings reveal two names. These inscriptions explain that Wang Wenzhao was the engraver, and Li Zhishun was the patron.
The illustrated engraving is regarded as an outstanding work from the Northern Song dynasty and is now kept at the British Museum in London. |
