The Horyig script, also known as Mongolian Square Script, is a unique calligraphic style historically used in Mongolia and Tibet, primarily for official seals and inscriptions. It is deeply connected to the Mongol Empire’s influence over Tibet and the adaptation of script traditions within Tibetan Buddhism.
Origins and Development in Mongolia
The origins of the Horyig script can be traced back to the time of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) when the Mongols ruled China and Tibet. Under Kublai Khan, the Mongols adopted and modified various scripts for administrative and religious purposes. The script is believed to have been influenced by the ‘Phags-pa script, which was created by the Tibetan monk Lodrö Gyaltsen (also known as ‘Phags-pa Lama) at the request of Kublai Khan. This script was intended to provide a unified writing system for the Mongol Empire, covering Mongolian, Chinese, Tibetan, and other languages.
Over time, the Mongolian adaptation of ‘Phags-pa evolved into a distinct, square and block-like script, which later became known as Horyig (ཧོར་ཡིག, “Mongol script” in Tibetan). While ‘Phags-pa script largely fell out of use after the Yuan Dynasty, Horyig remained in certain Mongolian and Tibetan contexts, especially in religious and official functions.
Use of Horyig in Tibet
The Mongols had significant influence in Tibet, particularly during the 13th to 18th centuries, when various Mongol rulers, such as Altan Khan and later the Qoshot Mongols, played a crucial role in shaping Tibetan politics and Buddhism. The script was adopted in Tibetan Buddhist institutions, especially in connection with Mongol patrons.
Horyig became particularly important in official Tibetan seals (known as “chops”), which were used for authenticating religious and governmental decrees. Tibetan rulers, including the Dalai Lamas, used seals inscribed with Horyig to lend authority to edicts, letters, and monastic decrees. These seals were often intricately carved in metal or stone and were used with red ink or vermilion paste.
The Role of Horyig in Seals (“Chops”)
The use of seals (chops) in Tibetan governance was heavily influenced by Mongolian and Chinese practices. These seals, often bearing Horyig inscriptions, were used by Tibetan lamas, aristocrats, and officials to authorize documents and proclaim religious authority. The inscriptions usually included:
The name and title of the holder.
Religious or imperial blessings and authority.
Tibetan Buddhist symbols, such as the Eight Auspicious Signs.
The influence of Mongolian rule ensured that Horyig became a prestigious script for these purposes. It was seen as a sign of imperial legitimacy, especially when Mongol khans granted power to Tibetan religious figures, such as the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama.
Decline and Legacy
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Horyig saw declining use, particularly as Tibetan administration moved toward more standardized Tibetan scripts. However, some high-ranking lamas and institutions continued to use Horyig seals as a mark of tradition. Even today, historic Tibetan documents and seals featuring Horyig can be found in museums and monastery archives.
Despite its decline, Horyig remains a symbol of the historic connection between Mongolian and Tibetan cultures, reflecting the political and religious ties between the two regions.
Credits and Additional Inspiration
The artwork featured on this post, depicting the Horyig alphabet, was created by the talented artist Lozang. Please visit his Instagram page here. At the time of this writing, Lozang offers the design, production and sale of beautiful Tibetan seals, featuring the horyig script.
The Tibetan Calligraphy Master Tashi Mannox features several art works for sale featuring beautiful renditions of the horyig script and you can see those here.
For an enjoyable read of the process of acquiring a Tibetan seal that makes use of the horyig script, have a look at the article A Chance Meeting, A Personal Seal, Ten Years, A New Logo, by the talented artist: Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo.
A Short History of The Traditional Horyig Script
The Horyig script, also known as Mongolian Square Script, is a unique calligraphic style historically used in Mongolia and Tibet, primarily for official seals and inscriptions. It is deeply connected to the Mongol Empire’s influence over Tibet and the adaptation of script traditions within Tibetan Buddhism.
Origins and Development in Mongolia
The origins of the Horyig script can be traced back to the time of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) when the Mongols ruled China and Tibet. Under Kublai Khan, the Mongols adopted and modified various scripts for administrative and religious purposes. The script is believed to have been influenced by the ‘Phags-pa script, which was created by the Tibetan monk Lodrö Gyaltsen (also known as ‘Phags-pa Lama) at the request of Kublai Khan. This script was intended to provide a unified writing system for the Mongol Empire, covering Mongolian, Chinese, Tibetan, and other languages.
Over time, the Mongolian adaptation of ‘Phags-pa evolved into a distinct, square and block-like script, which later became known as Horyig (ཧོར་ཡིག, “Mongol script” in Tibetan). While ‘Phags-pa script largely fell out of use after the Yuan Dynasty, Horyig remained in certain Mongolian and Tibetan contexts, especially in religious and official functions.
Use of Horyig in Tibet
The Mongols had significant influence in Tibet, particularly during the 13th to 18th centuries, when various Mongol rulers, such as Altan Khan and later the Qoshot Mongols, played a crucial role in shaping Tibetan politics and Buddhism. The script was adopted in Tibetan Buddhist institutions, especially in connection with Mongol patrons.
Horyig became particularly important in official Tibetan seals (known as “chops”), which were used for authenticating religious and governmental decrees. Tibetan rulers, including the Dalai Lamas, used seals inscribed with Horyig to lend authority to edicts, letters, and monastic decrees. These seals were often intricately carved in metal or stone and were used with red ink or vermilion paste.
The Role of Horyig in Seals (“Chops”)
The influence of Mongolian rule ensured that Horyig became a prestigious script for these purposes. It was seen as a sign of imperial legitimacy, especially when Mongol khans granted power to Tibetan religious figures, such as the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama.
Decline and Legacy
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Horyig saw declining use, particularly as Tibetan administration moved toward more standardized Tibetan scripts. However, some high-ranking lamas and institutions continued to use Horyig seals as a mark of tradition. Even today, historic Tibetan documents and seals featuring Horyig can be found in museums and monastery archives.
Despite its decline, Horyig remains a symbol of the historic connection between Mongolian and Tibetan cultures, reflecting the political and religious ties between the two regions.
Credits and Additional Inspiration
The artwork featured on this post, depicting the Horyig alphabet, was created by the talented artist Lozang. Please visit his Instagram page here. At the time of this writing, Lozang offers the design, production and sale of beautiful Tibetan seals, featuring the horyig script.
The Tibetan Calligraphy Master Tashi Mannox features several art works for sale featuring beautiful renditions of the horyig script and you can see those here.
For an enjoyable read of the process of acquiring a Tibetan seal that makes use of the horyig script, have a look at the article A Chance Meeting, A Personal Seal, Ten Years, A New Logo, by the talented artist: Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo.