Bogd Khaan's Library: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge

A glimpse into the intellectual heart of Mongolia's past

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The library contained many volumes of Buddhist sutras and books written in Mongolian, Tibetan, Sanskrit, Manchu, and Chinese languages. The transfer to the National Library of Mongolia in 1924 ensured the continuation of this valuable heritage.

Sandalwood box (18th-19th Century)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum

Sandalwood box

This box was possibly used for keeping letters and requests before they were presented to Bogd Khaan.

The box has two brass handles, a padlock, engravings of eight auspicious symbols on the front, and Kalavinka, bird of divine land of joy, cloud patterns, and round (Chin: buzi) patterns on the lid.

Copper woodblock of Mahapratisara (18th-19th Century)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum

Copper woodblock of Mahapratisara

Sosorbaram is one of the Five Protector Goddesses. Mongolians also had a tradition of using metal woodblocks in book-printing such as copper woodblock.

Copper woodblock of Mahapratisara (18th-19th Century)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum

The six mantra syllables were engraved 1000 times on a copper wood block. It is designed for printing 100 sheets for making a wheel of 100,000 mantra syllables.

Copper woodblocks, like this one, produced clearer letters and images in printing. The metal material ensured greater precision, offering a durable and high-quality option for creating texts and images.

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