On the basis of a research of related cultural relics and literature materials, this article explores the ivory seals granted to Tibetan monks by the central government of the Ming Dynasty from the aspects of the seals ’characteristics, nature, origin, grades, functions, etc. The seals were mainly officially awarded to the ordinary monks in the Ming dynasty. They had the characteristics of both private and official seals in terms of the inscrip?tions on them and their design. They firstly emerged in the Ming Dynasty and a system of granting ivory seals were built then. Granting ivory seals was directly related with the rules of conferring titles to Tibetan monks in the Ming dynasty, and it had practical function in reality. Thus, the study of the ivory seals is of great signifi?cance. It not only can help us understand the seals system of the Ming dynasty, but also the Ming’s policies in Ti?bet.
ivory seals“Tushu”grades of Tibetan monksseal systemthe Ming’s governance strategy in Tibet
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
