Many of the teachings of Buddhism were originally passed down orally through repetition and communal recitation. These spoken words were later compiled into important canons and manuscripts that ultimately constituted a rich corpus of Buddhist literature. Revered across all schools and sects of Buddhism, these texts are considered profoundly sacred. In order to protect their contents from damage over time, monasteries and wealthy families commissioned elaborate manuscript covers.

Guardians of the Sacred Word – Part II, on view at Rossi & Rossi Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, from 11 September to 16 October, showcases a selection of exceptional Indian and Tibetan manuscript covers dating from the 10th to the 14th century. This is the second iteration of Guardians of the Sacred Word, an exhibition of rare early Tibetan manuscript covers that the gallery mounted in New York in 1996.

Gallery address: 195 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan