Rare 'Dragon Sutra' Set Sells for Over NT$1.3 Million at Taipei Book Fair

A rare Qing Dynasty imperial edition of the "Dragon Sutra" fetched over NT$1.3 million (approximately $43,000 USD) on the second day of the Taipei International Book Fair's professional buyers' event. The sale of the complete set of the "Dragon Sutra," a collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures written in gold on dark blue paper, generated significant attention.

The specific item sold was a "Qing Kangxi Dynasty Imperial Inner Library Mud-Gilded Tibetan Script" set. Such editions are exceptionally rare, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and imperial patronage characteristic of the Qing Dynasty. The "Dragon Sutra" itself is a significant work in Tibetan Buddhism, and imperial editions are particularly prized by collectors and institutions.

While the high price might seem surprising, experts familiar with rare books and artifacts explained the underlying reasons for its substantial value. The combination of its historical period, imperial provenance, rarity, and religious significance makes it a highly sought-after item. The recent surge in interest surrounding the "Dragon Sutra," possibly due to related exhibitions or scholarly attention, may have also contributed to the strong market demand and the record-breaking sale at the fair.