Tangut Scripts
One of the most distinctive features of the Western Xia civilization is its unique writing system—the "Tangut script". Developed with influence from Chinese character principles, the script reflects both the cultural prosperous and administrative needs of the empire. Notably, the Western Xia also applied early printing technology, which facilitated the production and dissemination of religious, legal, and literary texts.
Tangut manuscript scroll, Buddhist Sutra
This is the Tangut script, an independent writing system created by the Western Xia Empire. Although it borrowed heavily from the standards and elements of Chinese, it's different from Chinese. In appearance, it features numerous strokes, always filling the entire writing space, with an excess amount of dots and slashes. The Tangut script is the most fascinating aspects of Tangut culture.
Fragment of a Buddhist Book Page
The Western Xia dynasty was known for its ability to adopt and adapt the cultural and technological achievements of neighboring civilizations, including printing from China. The Tanguts employed woodblock printing and established official institutions to oversee the carving and printing processes.
This printed fragment, part of a Buddhist sutra, was unearthed at Khara-Khoto. It offers a valuable example of how advanced printing techniques were applied to the Tangut script.
