大般若波羅蜜多経巻第一百五十七|Fragment of Vol. 157 of Sutra of the Perfection of Wisdom (Mahaprajnaparamita sutra; Daihannyaharamittakyō) 大般若波羅蜜多経巻第一百五十七
1383, sixth month (Eitoku 3)
Medium
Woodblock printed book (orihon, accordion-style); ink on paper
Dimensions
10 1/4 × 3 3/4 in. (26 × 9.5 cm)
Classification
Illustrated Books
Culture & Period
Japan · Nanbokuchō period (1336–92)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation Gift, 2013
Accession Number
2013.740
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite fragment from Volume 157 of the *Daihannyaharamittō* (Sutra of the Perfection of) offers a glimpse into Japan's rich tradition of Buddhist printing during the turbulent Nanbokuchō period (6–92). Produced in the sixth month of 1383 (Eitoku 3), this wood-printed accordion-style book (*orihon*) measures a compact 10¼ × 3¾ inches, designed for portability and repeated use in meditation or study. The sutra, a cornerstone ofayana Buddhism, explores profound teachings on wisdom (*prajñā*) and the path to enlightenment, reflecting the era's deep spiritual devotion amid civil strife betw...