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Diamond Sutra
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Diamond Sutra
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Diamond Sutra
CHINA; Qing dynasty (1644–1911), dated 1771; By Chen Bangguang; Running-regular script; Ink on paper; H: 23.8 cm; Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Hangzhou, China
It can be gathered from the colophon that the copyist, Chen Bangguang, was a Buddhist disciple who had undertaken the Bodhisattva vows. Chen made a resolution to copy the Diamond Sutra a hundred times, and this work was his 20th copy, completed in 1771. The Diamond Sutra emphasizes non-abiding and the illusory concept of self in its teachings. Historically, it has been a preferred sutra text for transcription.
Beginning with running and regular scripts, strokes tend to hasten towards full cursive at times, which results in a slightly unkempt look compared to the neat regular scripts that typify most sutra copies. Nevertheless, the brushwork is precise and energetically delivered. This vibrant and spirited touch provides a rare break from the usually restrained style of sutra scrolls. |
