Two rubbings donated by William W. Rockhill, containing Chinese, Siddham and Tibetan writings.
Sem títuloThis item consists of four sheets of rubbings, each featuring Buddhist verses written in Chinese and Siddham characters, including such as the Breaking Hell mantra and the Nectar mantra. Based on the Chinese text, the inscription appears to be located in Tiankai Temple (天開寺), a Buddhist temple in Beijing, China and date to AD 1106 (the sixth year of the Liao dynasty).
An accompanying note identifies the item as ‘inscriptions at a temple 5 miles N. E. of Peking. A Dharani’ and records it as a donation by William W. Rockhill on 28 November 1893.
Each sheet measures approximately 33cm (w) x 90cm (h).
This consists of one large sheet formed by pasting together eight smaller sheets, measuring approximately 82cm (w) × 368cm (h) in total. The rubbing contains Chinese writing on the right and Tibetan writing on the left. The Chinese characters are only faintly legible, and the Tibetan are mostly illegible, but the piece is presumably a reproduction of the Sino–Tibetan Empire Treaty Inscription on the stone pillar erected in Lhasa in AD 823. The rubbing includes the main inscription of the treaty from one of the four sides of the pillar.
A note written on the accompanying wrapping paper reads: 'Rubbing of the Tibetan Chinese Inscription at Lhasa. Presented by W. W. Rockhill 26 Nov. 1893. See JRAS XII n.s. 516–518, 534.'
Two rubbings of the inscription on the sides of the Nestorian (Xi'an) Stele, China, including the names of the priests and monks in Syriac and Chinese, as well as the Chinese inscription added in 1859 regarding a visit to the stele. Each of the rubbing is mounted onto a silk scroll measuring 29 x 246 cm.
The paper connecting the top stave of both scrolls is at risk of disintegration, so care must be taken when unrolling.
The personal papers of Christopher Gimson contain correspondence between him, the Society and Professor Eugénie Henderson from SOAS. These document Gimson's interest in and efforts towards encouraging the study of the history of Manipur.
Sem títuloLetter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary to enquire whether the Society will be interested in picking up the publication of Yimjao Singh’s book on the old Manipuri language again. He writes that attempts to publish the book in India have not been successful, and that G. H. Luce, late of Rangoon University, may be interested in this project.
Sem títuloLetter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary to say that he will ask the author of the old Manipuri monograph whether he would send the manuscript. He further writes that the Darbar [of the state of Manipur] had a fund for historical and archaeological research which may fund the publication, but otherwise he is willing to make a personal contribution towards the publication. Year unspecified but likely dated to 1950.
Sem títuloLetter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, introducing himself and the publication project of Yimjao Singh. He writes that he gave money to the Darbar of Manipur in December 1946 to support studies in Manipuri history. He further writes that colleges and younger scholars in Manipur are taking an interest in Manipuri history and their old language but he feels that more trained scholarship is needed. He asks if the Society will be interested in this. With reply from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary, asking if he has any proposals to put before the RAS Council. Two letters, dated 1–4 April 1965.
Letter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary to say that while he has no proposals to put forward, he will send a copy of a recent publication by a young Manipuri scholar entitled ‘A Short History of Manipuri’ for the Society’s examination. He further writes that he will visit the Society in June. With reply from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary, enclosing a membership application form should Gimson wish to join the Society. Two letters, dated 7–28 April 1965.
Letter from Christopher Gimson to RAS Secretary, returning the completed application form. He sends the Society a copy of ‘A Short History of Manipuri’ by Jhalajit Singh and writes that the author deserves encouragement, despite it being immature in many ways. He asks if the Society would prefer to work on linguistic or historical researches, and he feels that a more scholarly and critical approach to the ancient documents is an essential. With reply from Diana Crawford, RAS Secretary. Two letters, dated 7–12 May 1965.