India, Bihar, Nalanda monastery, Pala period, late 11th century; ink and opaque watercolor on palm leaf; each approx. 2 7/8 x 22 3/8 in.; Asia Society, New York, Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Acquisitions Fund, 1987.1, photo: Susumu Wakisaka, Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Tokyo, Courtesy of Asia Society, New York.
20. Five Leaves from an Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscript
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Expounding the Dharma to a Devotee, Folio from a Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscript
Mahavihara Master, India, Pala period, early 12th century; opaque watercolor on palm leaf; page: 2 3/4 x 16 7/8; image: 2 1/2 x 1 15/16; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 2001.445f, photo: www.metmuseum.org.
The illustration on the right also belongs to a Prajnaparamita manuscript. Here Avalokiteshvara teaches the dharma to the adoring figure kneeling at his feet. She receives an opportunity for darshana (auspicious viewing) as the bodhisattva bestows the wisdom that will free her from suffering. Many such illuminated manuscripts were produced at the great monastic communities of eastern India during the Pala period (ca. 750-1200).