A visual archive
Details of
devotion
Move through the materials, images, and ritual objects that give the Kangxi Kangyur its extraordinary visual presence.
Eight selected views01 - Selected works
Look closely.
Every surface carries meaning.
01The complete ensemble
Scripture leaves, carved boards, wrappers, cords, and painted screens gathered as one devotional work.
02A jeweled sacred figure
One of the richly framed figures preserved through the authorized illustration volumes.
03Gold script in sequence
Long-format scripture pages translated into bound volumes for preservation and study.
04Painted protective boards
Red outer boards and decorated inner boards protect the scripture above and below.
02 - Material details
A procession
of craft
Textile, pigment, indigo paper, carved wood, and gold were composed not as decoration alone, but as the protective structure of a sacred ritual object.
Embroidered screens
Five-colored silk embroidery combines sacred figures, symbols, and protective ornament.
Ritual textiles
Yellow silk wrappers and tightly wound cords enclose each case of scripture.
Indigo folios
Eight lines of Uchen script in gold rest on each side of the 87.5 by 33 cm folios.
The illustration volumes
Painted figures and manuscript details are brought together for close viewing.
The collection in detail
Preserved to be seen.
Created to be studied.
These views reveal only part of the scale and workmanship of the complete 111-volume authorized edition.
Explore the Collection