Airag fest (XIX century) by Baldugiin Sharav (1869-1939)The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
This incredible work of art portrays a traditional Airag-making ceremony, as depicted in the painting "A Day of Mongolia" by Marzan Sharav, created between 1905 and 1913.
The artwork beautifully captures a typical summer day in the life of a Mongolian nomad, illustrating the cultural significance and rituals associated with this way of life.
The Airag Feast is a significant event in Mongolian culture, where families and communities gather to celebrate the summer by sharing food and coming together.
A lively scene of people and animals gathered around large vats can be seen in a beautiful painting, showing the preparation of airag, a traditional Mongolian fermented milk product made from mares' milk.
The artist used pigment painting on silk to give the image a rich, textured quality and bring the scene to life.
This genre in Mongolian art highlights the country's deep connection to its nomadic heritage and underscores the importance of community and tradition.
The presence of horses, cows, goats, and birds captures the vibrant and diverse atmosphere.
It showcases the finest oriental arts and provides a window into Mongolia's rich history and traditions.
Balduugiin Marzan Sharav's masterpiece offers a glimpse into the past while remaining relevant in the present. "One Day in Mongolia, Summer," a painting by Marzan Sharav, is a valuable treasure in the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum collection.
Airag fest (XIX century) by Baldugiin Sharav (1869-1939)The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
Tying the foal to a secure and comfortable location allows the mare to nourish the foal through milking. This process ensures the foal receives essential nourishment, allowing the mare to nurse and care for her offspring comfortably.
Airag fest (XIX century) by Baldugiin Sharav (1869-1939)The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
In traditional cultures, it is a common practice for every household to have a distinct "tamga," which is a unique symbol used for branding their foals.
Airag fest (XIX century) by Baldugiin Sharav (1869-1939)The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
In rural areas, the traditional practice of tethering foals is still employed.
Airag fest (XIX century) by Baldugiin Sharav (1869-1939)The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
In ancient and modern times, there has been a long-standing custom of ceremonially sprinkling milk using a wooden bowl and a nine-eyed sprinkler.
Airag fest (XIX century) by Baldugiin Sharav (1869-1939)The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
During the annual Airag feast in Mongolia, people gather to celebrate their rich cultural heritage through various traditional customs. These customs include singing folk songs and playing folk musical instruments, both of which are integral parts of the celebration.
The event is marked by a grand feast that features a wide array of customary dishes and dairy products, adding to the festive atmosphere and highlighting the significance of Mongolian culinary traditions.
