Buddhist Sutra: Myobŏp Yŏnhwa Kyŏng (Chinese, Miaofa Lianhua Jing; Sanskrit, Saddharmapundarika Sutra; English, Lotus Sutra), Chapter 1, Preface 14th-16th century

Editor: This is a page from a "Lotus Sutra," attributed to Kim Saeng, featuring gold ink on paper. The text gives it a striking visual presence. What's your take on how it conveys meaning? Curator: Considering the materials, the gold ink itself is a statement. Its value underscores the significance of the text, reflecting the patronage and resources involved in its creation and dissemination. How does that affect your understanding? Editor: It makes me think about the resources needed to create this artwork, and the societal values that supported it. Curator: Precisely. The labor, the materials, and the function converge to reveal the social and religious context that produced this object. It makes us rethink art history. Editor: I see the piece in a new light, beyond just aesthetic value. Thanks for sharing!