Oak Knoll

First edition limited to 400 numbered copies with original slipcase. Near fine. A very rare book. Full illustrated in b&w and color.

Handwritten as well as handprinted, books have played a fundamental role in spreading the message of the Buddha from India to various countries of Asia from the early centuries of the Christian era. Known commonly as sutra, Buddhist scriptures were carefully transcribed on palm-leaf, birch-bark, wood, cloth, paper (the medium for printed books) and even silver and gold. Certainly, by the eighth century, but possibly earlier, the Buddhists also began embellishing sutras with illustrations, and, thereafter, until the early part of this century, an enormous amount of illuminated books were produced in most countries where Buddhism has prevailed.