라마의 선물: 티베트 직물 툭(phrug, 氆氌) 연구 

◎ 저자명: 최소영(HK연구교수)

◎ 학술지: 중앙아시아연구 제28호 제2권

◎ 발행처: 중앙아시아학회

◎ 간행일: 2023.12.29

The ruling class of the Mongol Empire, which dominated most of Eurasia, embraced Buddhism, leading to a substantial transfer of wealth from the empire to Tibetan monks. While the succeeding Ming Dynasty couldn't politically control Tibet, they continued toinvite Tibetan monks and offered them many gifts to maintain a relationship with Tibetan Buddhism. Even during the Qing Dynasty established by the Manchus, substantial goods were sent to Tibet. However, beyond Buddhist statues and paintings, little was known about what Tibetan monks gave in return.

The text highlights the significance of a textile called "tug (Tib. phrug)," widely used by Tibetans and later sent as representative gifts by Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas to Chinese emperors and Mongol rulers. Despite Tibet's agricultural limitations, the abundance of livestock such as yaks and sheep allowed Tibetans to weave warm and aesthetically pleasing fabric, known as "phrug." During the Tibetan Empire era, it was primarily used for making rough tents, but over time, thetechnology improved. During the Mongol Empire, the quality became suitable for sending to Mongol courts. In the subsequent Dalai Lama periods, production was organized in specific regions of Central Tibet, with weaving and dyeing exempted from other taxes and labor obligations. The produced fabric, "phrug," was sent as a gracious response to the splendid gifts received from Mongol rulers and leaders of the Central Plains. The term "氆氌" (phrug) was consistently recorded in the gift lists of the Ming and Qing, becoming well-known and consumed among East Asian nations, to the extent of being included in prohibited imports in Joseon Dynasty.

This text aims to shed light on a small aspect of the material relationship between Tibet and surrounding political entities, hoping to contribute to future discussions on other items beyond "phrug."