Zanabazar: Mongolia's First Buddhist Leader
Discover the life and legacy of Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar (1635-1723), the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, and his profound impact on Mongolian Buddhism.
Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Zanabazar: Master of Many Arts
Zanabazar's artistic talent went beyond mere craftsmanship. It was a manifestation of his profound spiritual vision.
Through casting, sculpting, painting, and engraving, he created works that embodied the essence of Mongolian Buddhism.
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Zanabazar's Vision of Beauty
Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, Mongolia's first Buddhist leader, captured the ideal beauty of Mongolian women through his artistic mastery.
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His compositions reveal a deep understanding of the inner world and a profound reverence for the feminine spirit.
Personal seal of Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, the First Bogd Jebtsundamba of Khalkha MongoliaThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Zanabazar's Personal Seal
An unnamed Mongolian craftsman created a brown sandalwood stamp with a brass base, carved with the Three Jewels. It comes in a copper box with four silver bands and a Mongolian lock.
The stamp is 10 cm tall with a 5.2 cm x 5.2 cm base and weighs 275 grams.
The box is 11 cm tall, with a 6.3 cm x 6.5 cm base, and weighs 370 grams.
Personal seal of Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, the First Bogd Jebtsundamba of Khalkha MongoliaThe Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
The brass base features an eight-spoked dharmachakra, symbolizing the people's invincibility through Buddha's teachings.
The inscription "May the Seal of Vajra-Holder Zanabazar Win and Thrive" is a testament to Zanabazar's spiritual authority and the lasting impact of his legacy.
The seal, carefully secured in a copper box with silver details, reinforces this message.
Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Zanabazar's Legacy: A Lasting Impact
Zanabazar's life and work embody the harmonious blend of spirituality and artistic expression. As a spiritual leader, he guided Mongolian Buddhism to new heights, while his artistic creations captured the essence of his vision and left a lasting legacy on Mongolian art.
