Subjects

A Study of Tibetan Paper Money : With a Critical Bibliography

Wolfgang Bertsch, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, 1997, pbk, x, 93 p, plates, ISBN : 8186470166, $19.00 (Includes free airmail shipping)

A Study of Tibetan Paper Money : With a Critical Bibliography/Wolfgang Bertsch

Contents: Preface. Introduction. I. Tam denomination notes: 1. The 5 Tam note. 2. The 10 Tam note. 3. The 15 Tam note. 4. The 25 Tam note. 5. The blue 50 Tam note. 6. The multicoloured 50 Tam note. II. Srang denomination notes: 1. The 100 Tam srang note. 1A. The 100 Srang note. 2. The 10 Srang note. 3. The 5 Srang note. 4. The 25 Srang note. Appendices. Notes. Bibliography.

"Paper currency was only introduced into Tibet in the early 20 century, and yet Tibetan banknotes are arguably the most attractive among world currencies. The designs on the banknotes include both religious and national symbols, such as the snow lion and the lung rta ("wind horse"), and most are printed in vivid colours.

This currency represents a unique blend of printing skills and the artistic genius inspired by a long historical tradition of painting in Tibet. Those banknotes which survive are a testament to Tibet’s independent status prior to 1959, and serve as a tangible reminder of Tibetan material culture.

The author of this numismatic study, Wolfgang Bretsch, explores both the content and design of the currency, and provides a thoroughly researched and comprehensive bibliography for those who wish to pursue the subject further."

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