TIBETAN CONSECRATION TEXT

c. 17th or 18th century. Other. A bundle of Tibetan consecration texts written in khyug yig (fast script) on indigo-dyed paper using gold and red (possibly cinnabar) pigments. In Very good condition. Minor creasing to edges of paper strips, where the bundle was pressed up against other sacred materials on the cavity of a sculpture. Light fading to text. Bundle measures approx. d 2.5 in x h 1.5 in. SH Consignment. These consecration texts were originally used to "charge" a Tibetan Buddhist sculpture as a part of its consecration. Bundles of coiled texts and other sacred materials were inserted in the cavity of a lost-wax cast sculptured and sealed inside, as part of or ahead of the consecration ritual, during which the image is empowered with some part of the essence of the figure it represents.

John C. Huntington, a professor of art history specializing in Tibetan Buddhist art, acquired these texts as a part of his personal study collection. In addition to relying on the collection for his own research and publications, he also incorporated it into his seminar courses and other teaching and mentoring during his long career at the Ohio State University. 1366836. Special Collections.