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Lot# 1204 - Auction 298-307

  • Lot# : 1204 Tibet

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    Dalai Lama Letter 1895/1904: 'Shirt' Letter from the 13th Dalai Lama (Thubten Gyatso) to the King of Nepal addressed "To His Excellency Highly Glorified Wang Gurkha King", folded for Exhibit display to show the Dalai Lama's square official red seal with blank surround (Dawson type 4) with the Dalai Lama's personal seal in red (Dawson type 7) below the honorific address. In the main text there are traditional greetings with the Dalai Lama referring to himself as "Gandhen Throne Holder" and stating that he is working hard on behalf of his Government and "I am serving the Emperor who is our religious patron with my loyalty" - an important reference as Tibetans viewed the Dalai Lama and Emperor as spiritual teacher and lay patron rather than subject and lord. The letter continues for the need "to maintain cordial relations with the King and ministers of the Gurkha" and refers to the Tibetan delegation's desire "to make offerings to the two holy stupas and other scared places" in Nepal. The letter requests assistance in acquiring herbs and medicines and refers to Tibetan gifts of silver ingots, brocaded cloth and tea. Whilst the letter is undated, it has to belong to the period between 1895 and 1904, when the Dalai Lama fled to Urga in advance of the Younghusband Expedition to Tibet. A rare and fascinating document of great importance.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,500 CHF