Manuscript of the Kangyur

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This 108 volume version of the Tibetan Canon Kangyur was produced in 1770 by the order of Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty. It was presented to his mother, the Empress Dowager Chongqing, on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
The text is written in gold Tibetan script against a dark blue background on both sides of unbound leaves. The first page of the volume is framed in wood with a Buddha image on either side of the text. The cover of the first page has three kalacakra symbols surrounded by intricate decorative motifs. The border consists of cloud patterns and there are various drapery motifs on the sides of the manuscript.
The manuscript is bound in yellow silk and held between wooden covers, which are lacquered in vermilion with lotuses and the Six-Syllable Mantra in gold. Its final wrapping is in a patterned cloth.