Buddhist scriptures, or sutras, that are bound accordion- are often protected with covers composed of paperboard wrapped in decorative silk. Titles and volume numbers appear on strips of paper adhered to the fabric. The use of silk for sutra covers dates back to at least the Tang dynasty (618–907), but most extant examples are from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and later, when the printing industry grew in China. In some cases, sutra printings were sponsored by the imperial government, resulting in superior editions based on texts from the palace collection.

Complex weaves of lustrous silk, sometimes highlighted by metallic thread, made possible a wide array of patterns and motifs. These include floral scrolls, Buddhist emblems, traditional Chinese symbols of blessings, and Chinese characters with auspicious meanings, all of which are also found on Buddhist ritual vessels and implements made from lacquer, gold, silver, and porcelain.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Two colored twill with double-gourd shapes containing two characters Daji (good luck); 36.2 × 12.8 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-8.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Plain weave with supplementary weft, phoenix medallion on swastika-fret; 36.1 × 12.8 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-12.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary gold strips, lotus; 33.6 × 12.2 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-21.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary weft, dragon medallion and clouds; 36.2 × 12.8 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-25.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary gold strips, lotus; 33.6 × 12.2 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-29.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary gold strips, lotus scroll; 36.3 × 12.7 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-30.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary gold strips, dragons and clouds; 36.2 × 12.8 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-31.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary weft, floral scroll; 36.3 × 12.8 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-35.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary weft, buddhist symbols; 33.8 × 12.1 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-44.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Complex gauze brocade with dragon, clouds and treatures; 36.3 × 12.7 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-48.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin brocade with phoenix and cloud on background pattern of lotus scroll; 36.2 × 12.8 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-65.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin damask with phoenix and floral scroll; 36.2 × 12.8 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-90.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Buddhist symbols and floral pattern brocaded on self-colored peach and Lingzhi fungus; 34.7 × 12.4 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-114.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary gold strips, lotus scroll; 36.2 × 12.8 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-273.

Sutra Cover, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 16th - early 17th century. Satin with supplementary gold strips, lotus scroll; 33.2 × 12 cm. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940-4-494.