The tradition of seal usage in Tibet holds a deep-rooted history, reflecting a sophisticated culture of identity, authority, and record-keeping. Throughout Tibet’s long history, seals have served as symbols of power and legitimacy, used across various social strata and purposes, including politics, economics, religion, and cultural affairs. These seals, ranging from personal to official, were frequently used to authenticate documents and contracts, playing an essential role in social transactions.
The Importance of Seals in Tibetan History
Tibetan seals are notable for their widespread use in historical documents, making them critical artifacts that provide insight into Tibet’s socio-political and religious history. Important seals are closely linked to major historical events and individuals, serving as enduring records of significant moments in Tibetan history. For example, the gold seal of the Fifth Dalai Lama became an emblem of political authority of him.
Materials, Craftsmanship, and Inscriptions on Tibetan Seals
Tibetan seals exhibit a distinctive style, characterized by their materials, craftsmanship, and inscriptions. Seals were crafted from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and stone, each chosen based on the seal’s significance and intended use. The engravings on these seals display artistic detail and precision, often incorporating symbols and iconography significant to Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Seals in Tibet featured multiple languages, including Tibetan script and unique ‘Phags-pa script. Created during the Yuan Dynasty under Kublai Khan’s direction, ‘Phags-pa script was widely used in official seals. The extensive use of seals in ancient Tibet contributed to the formation of a unique seal culture, embedding itself within the larger fabric of Tibetan cultural heritage. This seal culture became an essential component of traditional Tibetan society, reinforcing social hierarchies, religious practices, and governmental structures. Beyond their practical purposes, seals also held symbolic meaning, with intricate designs that communicated status and identity.
The Legacy and Preservation of Tibetan Seals
The sheer number of surviving Tibetan seals is a testament to their importance. These seals are not only artifacts but also cultural treasures that reveal the complex history of Tibetan civilization. The preservation and study of these seals continue to shed light on ancient Tibetan customs, documenting the historical evolution of the region’s socio-political and religious landscape.
The ancient seal culture of Tibet represents a significant part of Tibetan heritage, providing valuable insights into the political, religious, and cultural aspects of Tibetan society. These seals remain as witnesses to Tibet’s history, marking key moments and relationships within and beyond Tibet’s borders. Today, the study and preservation of Tibetan seals offer a window into the past, keeping the legacy of Tibetan culture alive for future generations.
The Historical Use of Seals Among Tibetans on the Tibetan Plateau
As interactions between different groups on the plateau intensified, the use of seals spread beyond tribal leaders to various social domains. By later periods, leaders of local Tibetan governments and regional authorities commonly used seals to signify authority. Seals were essential in formalizing and validating agreements, from economic contracts to marriage arrangements, within Tibetan society. With the spread of Buddhism across the plateau, the religious community, including monasteries and monastic orders, also began to adopt seals for official use, emphasizing the seal’s role across all levels of Tibetan society.
Terminology and Evolution of Seal Nomenclature
In the Tibetan language, seals are generally referred to as “Tamga” (ཐམ་ཁ་). This term has linguistic origins in Turkic languages, likely introduced into Tibetan via Mongolian during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). Prior to this period, another term, “Theltse” (ཐེལ་ཙེ་), was in use. However, “Tamga” became the standard term in later periods. Tibetan seals also have specific honorific titles: seals belonging to nobles are called “Kadam” (བཀའ་ཐམ་), while collective or organizational seals are known as “Chitham” (སྦྱི་ཐམ་).
Expansion of Seal Culture During the Tibetan Empire
The widespread adoption of seals accelerated with the formation of the Tibetan Empire in the early 7th century under Songtsen Gampo. His rule unified the Tibetan Plateau, establishing a centralized administration that lasted for over two centuries. During this period, the creation of the Tibetan script led to a rise in the production and use of Tibetan-language seals. According to the Selected Works of Gendun Choephel, records suggest that during the reign of Namri Songtsen, three ministers—Nyang, Wa, and Nyo—presented the lands, seals, and other possessions of Senpoje to the emperor Namri Songtsen. This is considered one of the earliest documented instances of seal use in Tibetan historical records.
Under Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan Empire developed sophisticated systems of governance, with well-defined laws and administrative structures. The implementation of seals became integral to these systems, marking the development of an organized bureaucracy on the plateau. As Tibet unified and established a centralized administration, seals served as instruments of authority, validating governmental, economic, and cultural documents.
Seal Usage in the Tibetan Empire: A Symbol of Authority and Diplomacy
The Role of Seals During the Reign of Songtsen Gampo
During the rule of Songtsen Gampo, seals played a vital role in managing the territories under Tibetan control. The need for administrative order across vast regions required verification tools such as seals to authorize military deployments, issue commands, and manage official correspondence. This suggests that seal usage had already become a well-established practice by this period, symbolizing authority and reinforcing governmental legitimacy.
Seals in Alliance and Oath Documents
In the Tibetan Empire, seals were also instrumental in the process of alliance-building between the Tibetan ruler (the Tsanpo) and his subordinates. These agreements, often binding in the form of oaths or alliances, were documented with sealed texts, although most of these sealed documents were later destroyed. Evidence of seal usage in such contexts, however, survives in stone inscriptions. For instance, the alliance stele of Tride Tsuktsen (also known as Khri Lde-gtsug-brtsan) with Minister Nyang Tingngezang records multiple references to sealing, such as “The oath text sealed with the Yongzhong seal,” “Seal affixed and used by the Khenpo,” and “One copy is sealed, enclosed, and placed in the shrine.”
Seal Distribution to Vassal States and Foreign Relations
Seals were frequently distributed to vassal states under Tibetan control. For example, during Tibetan rule over the Nanzhao Kingdom, the Tibetan Empire conferred numerous seals to symbolize authority. In 785 CE, when Nanzhao submitted to the Tang Dynasty, it offered eight Tibetan seals as a gesture of allegiance. Additionally, the Dunhuang manuscript Pt.1079, now preserved in Paris, contains 27 large seals stamped at the bottom, demonstrating the broad application of seals in official Tibetan documents.
The Tibetan Empire’s use of seals extended beyond internal governance. Given the extensive exchanges between Tibet and the Tang Dynasty—over a hundred recorded diplomatic missions and numerous alliances—seals were critical for authenticating treaties and diplomatic exchanges. Although rarely detailed in historical records due to their commonplace nature, these sealed documents represented a standard practice in formalizing diplomatic agreements.
Evidence of Seal Usage in the Tang-Tibetan Treaty of Changqing
The Tang-Tibetan Treaty Stele, erected in Changqing, contains valuable insight into the role of seals in diplomatic alliances. At the end of the inscription, it reads: “The Tibetan and Tang emperors and their ministers together prostrate, pledge allegiance, meticulously document the oaths, and verify them with official seals. Ministers on the altar sign their names and hold the oath documents, which are then stored in the imperial archives.” This passage confirms that both the Tibetan Tsanpo and the Tang Emperor stamped their official seals on the treaty as symbols of mutual agreement and authenticity.
The Rediscovery of Tibetan Seals: Insights from Dunhuang Manuscripts
The discovery of Dunhuang manuscripts in the early 20th century marked a pivotal moment for the study of Tibetan seals. Ancient Tibetan documents bearing seals provide scholars with a rare glimpse into the administrative practices of the Tibetan Empire. Unfortunately, many of these manuscripts, including those with Tibetan seals, are now preserved in foreign institutions in France and the United Kingdom. Consequently, Tibetan scholars such as Gendun Choephel, in his work The White Annals, were among the first to publish depictions of Tibetan seals, helping to reintroduce this important aspect of Tibetan history to the scholarly world.
Evolution of Seal Usage in Tibet During medival period
Yuan Sakya Dynasty: Official Seals and Religious Authority
During the Yuan Dynasty, Tibetan seals became a blend of local and imperial influences, marking the beginning of an official connection between the central government of Tibet. Notable seals from this era included the “Seal of the King of White Orchid,” the “Seal of the Imperial Preceptor Commanding All Monks” the “Seal of the Imperial Preceptor of the Great Yuan,” and the “Seal of the Lord of Men and Horses.” These seals, often bestowed upon Tibetan leaders or Buddhist figures, reflected the Yuan Sakya Dynasty’s political authorities, thereby legitimizing their influence.
Ganden Phodrang: Seals as Tools of Governance
The Ganden Phodrang authority continued and expanded upon previous practices, using seals as instruments to formalize Tibetan administrative structures. The famous “Golden Seal” of the Seventh Dalai Lama and the “Seal of Kashag Dekyima”. These seals were endowed with ceremonial significance and served as marks of Ganden Phodrang endorsement. Local Tibetan officials and monastic leaders would also often create seals modeled on these imperial seals for their own everyday use, further embedding seal culture in Tibetan governance.
Seal Forms, Materials, and Aesthetics: Sakya to Ganden Phodrang
Throughout these dynasties, Tibetan seals came in various shapes, materials, and designs, reflecting both Tibetan and Mongolian artistic influences. During the Yuan Sakya periods, popular seal designs included traditional motifs like lion, camel, and dragon knobs, with shapes ranging from square and rectangular to circular. These seals were often crafted from precious materials such as jade, gold, silver, and bronze, signifying the status of their holders.
By the late Ganden Phodrang era, Tibetan seals began to feature additional stylistic elements, including the “wish-fulfilling jewel crown” and other Buddhist-inspired symbols like the jewel knob. Some seals took on unique forms such as double-sided, circular, tiled, straight-handled iron, and wooden knobs. The materials used for the seal ribbons—such as leather, wool, and silk—also varied widely. Common materials included deer, cow, and leopard skin, as well as colorful silk ribbons in red, yellow, and crimson, adding a distinctive Tibetan aesthetic to these seals.
The Significance of Seal Ink Colors and Script Styles in Tibetan Culture
Distinct Ink Colors and Their Symbolism
In Tibetan society, the color of the ink used on seals held deep symbolic and hierarchical significance, with two primary colors: red and black. Typically, a red ink stamp was reserved for higher authorities or monks when sealing documents addressed to subordinates, lay officials, or in religious contexts. Conversely, black ink was more commonly used by lower-ranking officials or the lay population in communications with higher-ranking officials. In situations involving both officials and commoners, local leaders were permitted to use red ink, while ordinary citizens used black ink. This distinction between red and black inks was part of a broader cultural etiquette in Tibetan sealing practices.
In line with tradition, figures such as the Dalai Lama, and other high-ranking clergy were entitled to use red ink or red wax seals for official or personal use. By contrast, secular officials and government entities typically used black ink or black wax seals. Records indicate that the use of red ink on official documents dates back to the Tang-Tubo period, and both red and black seals were also present in documents from the Sakya period.
Evolution of Seal Script Styles
The inscriptions on Tibetan seals have varied through the ages, reflecting the linguistic and cultural influences of each historical period:
- Tubo Period: Seals mainly used Tibetan script.
- Yuan Sakya Dynasty: The script was primarily in Phags-pa script, with occasional Tibetan and Sanskrit inscriptions.
- Ganden Phodrang period: A rich diversity of languages appeared, including Tibetan, Manchu, Phags-pa, and Sanskrit. Some seals even combined multiple languages, such as Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan, on a single stamp.
Privately owned seals also displayed other scripts, like Sanskrit, Nepalese, and Urdu, reflecting Tibet’s cross-cultural exchanges. Additionally, starting from the Tubo period, some private seals were adorned with animal motifs, bird imagery, auspicious symbols, and Buddhist emblems, indicating their specialized use within limited circles.
Types of Tibetan Seals and Their Users
Each Tibetan seal was associated with a specific authority figure or administrative purpose. Different types of seals included:
- སྦུག་ཐམ། (Buktham) Seal: A seal specifically for documents issued directly by the ruling Dalai Lama.
- རྒྱལ་ཐམ། (Gyaltham) Seal: Often used by the Regent, the Gyaltham seal denoted administrative power on behalf of the Dalai Lama when he was not in direct governance.
- སྲིད་ཐམ། (Sidtham) Seal: Associated with senior ministers or administrative officials in the government.
Mystical and Artistic Qualities of Tibetan Seals
Many ancient Tibetan seals are renowned for their unique craftsmanship and mystical allure. Certain seals, such as relic seals, mandala stamps used by high lamas, and those belonging to deities and protective spirits, were believed to hold supernatural power, making them revered objects in religious ceremonies. Tibetan seals also showcase artistic qualities distinct from traditional Chinese seals, with a focus on intricate materials and techniques rarely seen in mainland China. The delicate craftsmanship of Tibetan seals involved precise inlay work of gold and silver, creating an interplay of light and texture.
Decorative elements on Tibetan seals often included high-relief carvings of dragons, lions, peacocks, and lotus bases, each symbolizing different cultural or spiritual concepts. The carving technique displayed a level of finesse comparable to fine brushwork, embodying an artistic style all its own. The seals’ intricate patterns and vibrant, elegant aesthetic stand as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan seal art, setting it apart as a unique tradition within the broader realm of seal craftsmanship.
Unique Craftsmanship and Symbolism in Tibetan Seal Art
Advanced Techniques and Materials
The artistry of Tibetan seals is notable for employing intricate techniques uncommon in other cultures. The “gold and silver inlay” method, originally used in early bronze craftsmanship, involved carving patterns or shallow grooves into the bronze surface, followed by embedding gold and silver threads into these grooves and hammering them to create a smooth finish. While this technique was rare in Tibet, its application to Tibetan seals brought unprecedented artistic sophistication to these artifacts.
Another distinctive feature of Tibetan seals was the use of gilding and the insertion of spiritually potent objects. After carving the seal, small cavities were sometimes filled with blessed items, such as medicinal pills, scriptures, mantras, relics, or sacred bones, believed to infuse the seal with divine power. This practice underscores the religious reverence Tibetans held for seals, differentiating them from typical seals.
Symbolic Patterns and Motifs
Tibetan seals also showcased a variety of symbolic patterns, each carrying significant cultural or religious meanings. Common motifs included:
- Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala), Seven Royal Emblems, Dharma Wheel, Six Symbols of Longevity, Five Sensory Delights, and Four Harmonious Friends.
- Religious symbols like the Swastika, Vajra, and Dharma wheel, which represented Buddhist virtues and enlightenment.
- Decorative patterns such as floral designs, fire symbols, cloud motifs, animal faces, and geometric designs that added a distinct Tibetan aesthetic to the seals.
Varied Types and Purposes of Seals
The extensive use of seals in Tibetan society spanned both practical and ceremonial contexts. Tibetan seals were crafted for various purposes, including administrative, religious, and even personal use:
- Administrative seals: Used by local governments and monasteries, these included treasury seals, property seals, and tax adjustment seals.
- Religious seals: Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies often employed seals for consecration purposes, applying them to relics, statues, manuscripts, and ritual items for blessings.
- Personal and contractual seals: Seals were crucial in signing contracts, loans, marriage agreements, and even marking livestock in farming regions. Families or individuals could also have their own name seals or auspicious phrase seals for personal use.
Seal Custody and Management
Due to the significant role of seals in Tibetan governance and religion, meticulous systems for seal management and verification were established. From the Sakya to Ganden Phodrang dynasties, Tibetan local governments and major monasteries developed strict protocols for storing and verifying important seals. Official registries, such as the “Kashag Seal Register” in the Tibetan government, documented the origins, quantities, and designs of seals associated with figures like the Dalai Lama, regents, and Kashag institutions. These records ensured accountability and safeguarded the cultural heritage of Tibetan seals.
Cultural Legacy of Tibetan Seals
Tibetan seals, treasured for their cultural and spiritual significance, were not merely administrative tools; they embodied a legacy of artistic mastery, religious symbolism, and social identity. As tools of authority, instruments of spiritual empowerment, and works of art, these seals reflect the unique and profound ways Tibetans intertwined faith, governance, and daily life.
The Story of the Seal Granted to Phagpa by Kublai Khan
One of the most captivating stories about Tibetan seals involves the esteemed spiritual teacher Phagpa (also known as Drogön Chögyal Phagpa) and the great Mongol ruler, Kublai Khan. The tale of Kublai Khan granting a prestigious jade seal to Phagpa is well-documented in both Tibetan and Chinese records, symbolizing a historic alliance between Tibet and the Yuan Dynasty. This event not only illustrates the significance of Tibetan Buddhism in the Mongol empire but also the mutual respect and influence shared between these two cultures.
Kublai Khan and Phagpa: A Meeting of Minds and Faith
In 1260, Kublai Khan ascended the throne, eager to consolidate his rule and unify his vast empire. Recognizing the importance of a respected religious figure to lend legitimacy to his reign, he appointed Phagpa as the Guoshi (国师), or “Imperial Preceptor,” a prestigious position granting Phagpa supreme religious authority across the empire. This marked Phagpa as a trusted advisor and teacher, symbolizing the deep connection between Mongolian leadership and Tibetan Buddhism.
Returning to Sakya Monastery in 1265, Phagpa was tasked with developing an administrative structure for Tibet that would align with the Yuan government. However, by 1267, Kublai Khan once again called him to the Yuan capital. Phagpa arrived in late 1268 or early 1269 to a grand reception led by Kublai’s son, Jingim, and a host of ministers and nobles. Indian elephants adorned with jeweled seats and silk canopies, along with elaborate musical processions, welcomed him. According to the Sakya Lineage Chronicles, “As Phagpa arrived at the court, the Dharma shone like the moon rising in a lotus garden,” underscoring the profound reverence the Mongols had for their Tibetan teacher.
The Creation of the Phags-pa Script: A Unifying Legacy
During his time at the Yuan court, Phagpa made a lasting contribution by designing a new script for the empire. Known as the Phags-pa script or Mongolian New Script, this system was developed at Kublai’s request to unify the diverse written languages of the Yuan dynasty. Phagpa’s script allowed the empire to standardize administrative and official documents across its vast territories. By February 1269, Kublai Khan issued a decree mandating its use, proclaiming:
“In ancient times, words were written to express ideas and record events; this has always been the universal principle. Our nation arose from the northern lands, holding a simple lifestyle, and lacked time to create a script. Thus, we have relied on Chinese characters and Uighur scripts to convey the words of our court… Now, with the advancement of our culture, it is necessary to have a standardized script for our empire.”
Kublai Khan saw Phagpa’s script as a key element in fostering unity and stability, enhancing the political cohesion of the Yuan dynasty. This act of creating a unified script solidified Phagpa’s role as a vital cultural bridge between Tibet and the Mongol empire.
Honoring Phagpa with the Jade Seal: A Symbol of Respect and Trust
In recognition of Phagpa’s contributions, Kublai Khan honored him with the title “Great Precious Dharma King” (大宝法王) and awarded him an exquisitely crafted jade seal. This rare and prestigious honor signified Phagpa’s elevated status within the Yuan court, acknowledging his influence as both a spiritual leader and a political advisor. The jade seal became a symbol of Phagpa’s authority, embodying the respect and high regard in which Kublai Khan held him.
The Lasting Impact of the Tibet-Yuan Relationship
This historical episode reflects a unique and mutually beneficial relationship between Tibet and the Yuan dynasty. Phagpa’s influence at the Yuan court highlights the vital exchange of religious, cultural, and administrative practices that defined the period. Through this partnership, Tibet’s spiritual teachings found a prominent place in Mongol society, while the Yuan dynasty benefited from Phagpa’s wisdom and innovations. The story of the jade seal and the Phags-pa script underscores the enduring impact of Tibetan Buddhism on Mongolian history and the depth of respect between these two powerful cultures.
Phagpa’s Jade Seal: Symbol of Prestige and Cultural Unity
According to the Sakya Lineage Chronicles, when the Tibetan spiritual leader Phagpa arrived at the Yuan court in 1270, Kublai Khan honored him with a prestigious jade seal and the title “Imperial Preceptor” (帝师). This seal was unique, as it had originally belonged to the defeated Xixia Kingdom. By reworking the Xixia King’s jade seal, Kublai created a powerful symbol of cultural unity, linking Tibet, Mongolia, and China.
This special jade seal, crafted with Phagpa’s title in the Phags-pa script, carried profound historical weight. It acknowledged Phagpa’s elevated status and Kublai’s respect for him as a religious authority. Along with the seal, Kublai awarded Phagpa an elaborate title, calling him “Under Heaven, Son of the Buddha in the West, Manifestation of the Buddha, Creator of the Script, and Upholder of the Nation,” along with a tribute of silver and silk.
The Pakmodru, Tsangpa Desi, and the Rise of the Ganden Phodrang
In the 17th century, Tibet’s political landscape shifted dramatically. The Pakmodru regime, once dominant, was replaced by the Tsangpa Desi. Soon after, Gushri Khan, chieftain of the Mongol Khoshut, allied with the Gelug school to defeat the Tsangpa, establishing the Ganden Phodrang regime, led by the Fifth Dalai Lama and Gushri Khan. This new rule fostered diplomatic relations with the emerging Qing dynasty, leading to the Fifth Dalai Lama’s invitation to Beijing.
The Fifth Dalai Lama’s Visit to Beijing and the Significance of the Gold Seal
In late 1652, the Fifth Dalai Lama journeyed to Beijing to meet the Shunzhi Emperor of the Qing dynasty. This historic visit, which lasted over two months, symbolized the growing ties between Tibet and the Qing court. Following his departure from Beijing in May 1653, as he reached Daihai (now Liangcheng County in Inner Mongolia), the emperor sent Minister of Rites Juerlangqiu to present the Dalai Lama with a gold tablet and a gold seal. This official recognition came with an illustrious title, honoring him as the “Western Sky Great Good Self-Existing Buddha, Supreme Lama of the World, General Venerable Dalai Lama.”
The Emperor’s Decree and Honorary Title
The decree from the Shunzhi Emperor, documented in Qing archives, emphasized the Dalai Lama’s contributions to promoting Buddhist teachings and helping guide people toward enlightenment. The emperor praised the Dalai Lama’s wisdom, benevolence, and commitment to spreading Dharma, entrusting him with the title to further Buddhism and benefit all beings.
The Gold Seal and Tablet
According to the Fifth Dalai Lama’s autobiography, the gold seal and tablet were intricately crafted, bearing the title “Western Sky Great Good Self-Existing Buddha, Supreme Lama of the World” inscribed in Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan. The tablet itself was remarkable, made up of 15 foldable pages linked together, each about four fingers wide and a “card” length long. This precious tablet, along with the gold seal, was presented at a grand banquet, marking a ceremonious acknowledgment of the Dalai Lama’s elevated status.
Cultural Importance of Seals in Tibetan History
Seals held profound meaning in Tibetan society, not only as symbols of power but as emblems of trust and loyalty. This sentiment is beautifully captured in a poem by Tsangyang Gyatso, who wrote: “The embedded black seal cannot speak; let the seal of faith be inscribed upon every heart.” This line reflects how seals, beyond their political role, carried emotional and spiritual weight in Tibetan history, symbolizing integrity, devotion, and the lasting impact of trust across generations.
Tibetan Seal Collections: Preserving Cultural Heritage
Today, many Tibetan seals from past eras are preserved in archival and museum collections. These seals serve as valuable historical artifacts, allowing researchers to understand the Tibetan government administration, as well as the development of Tibetan art forms in engraving and design.
The Academic Value of Tibetan Seal Studies
The study of Tibetan seals offers rich insights into the unique history, governance, and artistry of the region. For scholars, these seals provide essential data for research in Tibetan linguistics, political history, and engraving techniques, revealing the intricate relationship between political authority and religious influence.
The Legacy of Tibetan Official Seals: An Insight into Governmental and Religious Heritage
From the early 20th century, Tibetan official seals became even more formalized under the administrative structure established by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1909. By instituting the position of Silön (Senior Minister), the Dalai Lama appointed four notable figures—Shatra, Shepa, Changchong, and Langdön—to handle governmental affairs. The unique seals created for these leaders offer a fascinating window into Tibet’s historical governance and spiritual symbolism.
Establishment of the Silön Seal System: Authority in Purple Ink
The Silön system marked a significant evolution in Tibetan administration. A distinctive seal was forged for the Silön to authenticate documents and execute both internal and external state affairs. This particular seal, with its unique purple-red ink, was passed down unchanged through successive Silön ministers, symbolizing the continuity and stability of their role.
The Ganden Phodrang Government and the Creation of the Kashag Seal
In 1751, the 7th Dalai Lama, Kelzang Gyatso, formalized the Kashag (Cabinet) as the central governing body of Tibet, appointing four ministers, known as Kalon. During the inauguration of the Kashag, the Dalai Lama himself presented a seal named “Sid Zhi De Kyid” (meaning “World Peace and Happiness”), signifying the government’s peaceful intentions. Subsequently, a duplicate wooden version of this seal was created, called “De Kyid Ku Shön” (“Happiness Copy”), for official use by a Kalon on special assignments or in conjunction with Tibetan and Chinese officials.
The Role and Variety of Other Official Seals in Tibetan Governance
In addition to the central seals, the Tibetan government utilized several other seals to manage diverse administrative functions. These seals, often adorned with auspicious symbols and specific to particular offices or officials, included:
- Kashag Seal (“bkav tham”): Used by the central Kashag, this black square seal was authorized for official government use.
- Datang Seal (“rtags tham”): Featuring auspicious designs, this seal was used by high-ranking religious figures, such as the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, for official documents.
- Setang Seal (“sel tham”): Small, black, and square, this seal indicated the annulment of certain documents, often used to cancel contracts or tax-related records.
- Letang Seal (“las tham”): Reserved for district-level officials, with specific round and square designs for officials of varying ranks.
Each seal held its unique role, emphasizing the multi-layered structure of Tibetan government administration and the importance of clarity and authenticity in governance.
Tibetan Seal Catalogs: Preserving the Legacy of Government Seals
The archival collections from the Ganden Phodrang government are preserved today in the Tibet Autonomous Region Archives, showcasing the intricacy and historical importance of Tibetan seals. The archives hold 16 handwritten Tibetan manuscripts, including:
- Kashag Seal Catalog
- Yig Tsang Seal Catalog
- Dynastic Seal Catalog
- Tashilhunpo Monastery Seal Catalog
- Imperial Records of Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas
Each catalog provides valuable information about seal usage, notable officials, Dalai Lamas’ biographies, the lineage of the Khoshut Mongol leaders, and Qing emperors.
Insights from the Tibetan Seal Manuscripts
These catalogs meticulously document each seal’s origin, issuance date, location, and recipient. The original manuscripts, written in Tibetan script (dbru tshwa), maintain a high level of clarity and organization, with the seals’ designs either stamped directly on the page, illustrated, or attached on separate sheets to preserve their original sizes.
