Folk Arts of Mongolia
The exhibit dates mainly from the XIX to XX centuries and includes decorations, traditional games by Mongolian master artisans, and architecture paintings.
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Famous works of Mongolian handicraft art include felt, leather, wood carving, and steel, gold, and silver smith works from various ethnic groups.
Zaviya (Offering teapot)
A small-sized teapot made from a silver-copper metal alloy.
Zaviya (Offering teapot) by Unknown artistThe Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
The lid and container have a raised 'zee bad' pattern and an incised 'hammer' pattern, and the snouts resemble camel heads.
Dombo
The 'Dombo' is a traditional flask that Mongolians have used since ancient times. It is adorned with four rows of intricate "zee bad" patterns and features a striking "zee bad head" motif on the spout. This flask also boasts an elegant incised spiral pattern on the handle.
Dombo by Unknown artistThe Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
The exquisite dombo is crafted from a lustrous metal alloy and showcases intricate chasing, repoussé, and engraving techniques.
Khorol (Wheel of Dharma)
Named after the symbol ‘Khurdu’ in Mongolian and ‘Khorlo’ in Tibetan, which represents the perfection of dharma teachings, it nonstop encircles and disseminates dharma teachings in all directions.
Khorol (Wheel of Dharma) by Unknown artistThe Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
This game comprises deep symbolic meaning, customs, rites, and traditions of the Mongols.
Chess
Mongolian chess is based on the Mongolian nomadic way of life and is elaborately crafted with intricate designs in various styles out of wood, metal, bone, and stones.
ChessThe Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
The chess figures resemble the Mongolian way of life and animal husbandry, for instance, having the ‘camel’ in the shape of a camel.
Horse headed Fiddle
The Morin khuur, also known as the horsehead fiddle, is a traditional Mongolian musical instrument with a centuries-long history. Its unique design and hauntingly beautiful sound have made it an integral part of Mongolian culture and history.
Horse headed FiddleThe Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
Widespread among the folks already in the early 13th century, Morin khuur has a trapezoid sound box, a long neck, and a horse head carving on the termination.
