In 1937, under the approval of Tibet’s regent Reting, a revolutionary method was introduced to produce a series of one hundred Tibetan silver notes. Using an iron-shaped etching plate, these notes became a significant milestone in Tibet’s monetary history. The fifty-Trangka denomination featured the red seal of the Dalai Lama, while the rectangular seal of the Drachi Mint continued to authenticate the currency, ensuring continuity in production.
After the liberation of Tibet in 1959, the Preparatory Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region, with the central government’s consent, issued a statement on August 10th regarding the acceptance of Tibetan currency. The statement declared, “Tibetan silver 100 two-colour notes can be exchanged for 2 yuan,” marking a transitional phase in the region’s currency exchange policies.
Intricate Design and Symbolism
The 100 pairs of Tibetan silver notes are distinguished by their horizontal design, measuring approximately 96.6 mm in length and 37.5 mm in width. Central to the design is a red map on a yellow background, flanked by two lion-faced creatures known as the “five-faced king,” holding a treasure basin amidst auspicious clouds. The notes feature three layers of paperback borders, adorned with Tibetan text and intricate designs, symbolizing the invincibility of the Ganden Phodrang government and the unity of politics and religion.
Within a rectangular frame, a Tibetan numeral in black rests atop a red floral and grass design on a yellow backdrop. The Tibetan numeral “two” appears in the upper left and right corners, while the lower corners display a Tibetan lowercase currency symbol with a value of “100.” The left and right edges of the inner border are decorated with flowers and clouds, with the left side featuring the Dalai Lama’s red circular seal and the right side displaying the Phagpa letter seal in black rectangular form.
The center panel showcases eight auspicious images against a white backdrop with red designs, arranged in pairs on each side. The top panel features the Victory Bell and Pisces, while the bottom panel displays the auspicious knot and the conch. On the left are the warping wheel and the umbrella, and on the right are the vase and the lotus flower. The upper box’s left side and the lower box’s right side contain concealed handwritten banknote numbers. The outer frame is adorned with a red diamond grid pattern on a yellow background, with Tibetan letters and ten thousand-character ornaments embedded within the grid.
Symbolic Imagery and Artistic Craftsmanship
The reverse side of the 100 taels banknote depicts two saints seated beneath a lime tree, surrounded by symbolic imagery representing fertility, happiness, wealth, longevity, and prosperity. Elements such as a magical bottle, bats, cranes, and deer reflect the prosperity and blessings inherent in Tibetan culture and tradition.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
The collection of Tibetan silver notes is a significant chapter in the history of Tibetan currency. Once hidden away, these notes have become cherished artifacts, akin to painted picture scrolls, embodying the legacy and traditions of Tibet. Serving as both currency and art, Tibetan silver notes are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic skill of the Tibetan people.