Tibetan Dragon Canon exhibition held at National Palace Museum

The Tibetan Dragon Canon, a massive collection of Buddhist scriptures from the Qing Dynasty, is currently the centerpiece of an exhibition at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Completed in 1669, the 108-volume set was commissioned by Emperor Kangxi to fulfill the wishes of his grandmother, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, who requested a complete collection of Buddha's teachings written in gold ink.

The scriptures are noted for their extreme craftsmanship, featuring indigo-dyed paper, gold ink calligraphy, lacquer covers decorated with gemstones, and embroidered yellow fabric wrappings. The production involved significant resources, including the work of master artisans and 171 lamas from Mongolia and Tibet.

While the legend that viewing the canon brings blessings for seven lifetimes is unverified, the exhibition has gained significant social media attention. When the museum's new building is completed in 2028, the full collection will be moved to a dedicated transparent display chamber for public viewing.