Ch. ciii. 0014. Chinese painted roll with woodcut, dated A. D. 868. Text, Vajracchedikâ; colophon, ' Printed by Wang Chieh on the 15th day of the 4th moon of the 9th year of Hsien-Cung', i.e. May r r, A.D. 868. The earliest woodcut known to exist, and the earliest dated specimen of printing.
Woodcut shows Buddha, cross-legged on lotus throne, discoursing to his aged disciple Subhüti, who kneels on mat in L. corner with hands in adoration. Buddha placed 4 L. ; R. hand held out with thumb and third finger joined, L. hand in lap ; Svastika marked on breast. Circular halo and vesica, flame-edged ; canopy and flowering boughs overhead; two nymphs floating on clouds, with dishes of flowers
in their hands. Before B. is altar with sacred vessels ; on either side of latter, lion lying down, and demonic guardian in warlike pose. One on L. stands on lotuses and brandishes thunderbolt ; one on R. stands on rock, and gesticulates with clenched fists. Behind B. crowd of monkish disciples, and two Bodhisattvas ; in R. bottom corner stands Chinese dignitary, in official robes and head-dress, with two men and boys attending him. Floor paved with square tiles orn. with floral pattern. Two small cartouches with Chin. chars. on L. edge. Block finely cut. Roll in excellent preservation and complete.
Roll r6'x Ion"; woodcut II4"X92M. Pl. C.
IIIF Color HighRes
