Paper currency was only introduced into Tibet in the early 20th 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 Bertsch 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.
About Author
Wolfgang Bertsch born in Wiesbaden (Germany) in 1943 graduated in German and French literature from Goethe University in Frankfurt/Main. While staying for one year in Kathmandu (1974/75) he became interested in Tibetan coins banknotes seals and army badges. In order to build up an extensive collection of these items and to research their historical context he has visited the Himalayan area including Tibet numerous times after his first stay in Nepal. He has since published theresults of his research on the currency of Tibet in the form of various articles in numismatic and tibetological journals. He also authored a book on Tibetan banknotes and a numismatic bibliography entitled “The Currency of Tibet”.
ISBN-10 : 8186470166
ISBN-13 : 978-8186470169