Latse Library unveils a unique collection of Tibetan stamps and correspondence from the first half of the twentieth century. Over one hundred items from three collections will be presented together to showcase the breadth and depth of Tibetan letter writing in the period—from postage, to rules of composition, to the personal relationships captured in these unique letters. The premiere will include talks by experts in Tibetan culture and philately and will be followed by a reception.
Geoffrey Flack
Geoffrey Flack is a leading expert on the postal history of Tibet. A professional stamp dealer specializing in Asian stamps and postal history, he has collected and worked with Tibetan stamps for more than 45 years. He has written numerous articles on the stamps and postal history of Tibet and has published seven books on subjects related to Tibetan Philately, including plating studies, postal markings, and Tibetan seals.
Yangchen Lakar
Yangchen Lakar speaks from her experiences as a daughter of the aristocratic Yuthok family of Lhasa. Having a wide circle of acquaintances, her family was close to a Ladakhi Muslim family who had lived in Tibet for generations as traders of textiles. It is a descendant of this family who has generously loaned their collection of stamps and postmarked envelopes for this exhibition. The correspondence, which passed between family members in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shikatse and beyond, reflects both the business and personal relationships of the family. Yangchen Lakar will discuss the social and cultural milieu surrounding this collection, and about the influence and contributions made by Ladakhi Muslims living in Tibet.
Shewo Lobsang Dargye
A former government official from Lhasa, Shewo Lobsang Dargye is well-versed in the protocol and etiquette of classical formal letter and document writing. Mr. Lobsang Dargye draws upon his firsthand knowledge of official correspondence to examine and discuss formatting of letters and envelopes, calligraphy and writing styles, and other standards used for high-level correspondence.
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