A rare travel document
Mongolia, 19th century
This unusual textile is a travel permit from the period of Catherine the Great. It is decorated with Buddhist symbols of good luck and in all the corners is depicted the Russian imperial coat of arms. The text states that the traveler has free access to the Russian Empire.
H. 56.3 x W. 75.3 cm (measured within the matting)
Provenance:
Collection Paul Rutten, Amsterdam
Collection Jan Brummelhuis, Amsterdam