Virtuoso Hand Craftmanship of Öndör Gegeen
Explore the captivating world of Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, a renowned Mongolian artist whose masterful bronze sculptures embody the essence of Buddhist art.
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A Cultural Revivalist
Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar spearheaded a cultural renaissance in 17th-century Mongolia, leaving a lasting impact on Buddhist art. His creations continue to inspire artists and reflect the enduring power of his legacy.
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Two Iconic Taras
Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar's White and Green Taras are exceptional Buddhist sculptures. The White Tara is housed in the Zanabazar Museum, while the Green Tara and her 21 manifestations reside in the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum.
Green Tārā (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Green Tārā: Protector and Liberator
The Green Tara, known for liberating from eight internal dangers, is a striking example of Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar's artistry. The statue's unique 'nerekh' casting process combines solid and hollow sections, intricately integrating her ornaments.
Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar's Green Tara sculpture showcases a unique casting method called 'nerekh'. This technique involves casting the upper part solid and the lower part hollow, creating a seamless integration of ornaments and garments.
This artwork of the Green Tara Goddess became the authentic Mongolian ideal of the beauty of mankind through its perfect combination of the classic harmonious proportions of the human body and the 32 major and 80 minor marks of Buddhist iconography.
Noble Tara Goddess, whose mudrā displays the Three Jewels (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Tara's Three Jewels: Peace and Protection
The Noble Tara Goddess emanates peace with a youthful face and a vase of protection in her right hand. Her mudrа, a hand gesture, represents the Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, embodying the essence of Buddhist teachings.
Noble White Tara Goddess, as white as Autumn moon (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
The Noble White Tara: A Symbol of Purity
The Noble White Tara emanates serenity. Her right hand, in a mudra gesture, embodies the Three Jewels of Buddhism, representing peace and protection.
Noble Tara Goddess who completes all activities (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Vase of Blessings
The Noble Tara Goddess embodies peace and serenity, holding a vase of miracles in her right hand. Her posture and expression radiate a calming presence, hinting at the transformative power of her blessings.
Noble Tara Goddess who is completely victorious, Jewel on the Tathāgata’s Crown (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: Vase of Longevity
The Noble Tara Goddess radiates serenity, holding a vase that grants longevity in her right hand. Her peaceful expression embodies compassion and protection, symbolizing the power of her blessings.
Noble Tara Goddess who causes three worlds to tremble (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Protector's Vase
The Tara Goddess's vase is not just a vessel, but a weapon against sin. Its intoxicating power brings destruction upon those who have transgressed. This sculpture represents the divine justice inherent in Buddhist teachings.
Noble Tara Goddess who clears away poverty and misfortune (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Vase of Abundance
The Tara Goddess, with a peaceful face, holds a vase in her right hand. This vase symbolizes the removal of poverty and misfortune, bringing prosperity and well-being.
Noble Tara Goddess who clears away infectious disease (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Vase for Healing
This Tara Goddess displays a fierce expression, holding a vase that eliminates diseases. Her powerful stance symbolizes her ability to protect against infectious threats.
Noble Tara Goddess who bestows all auspiciousness (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Symbol of Auspiciousness
This serene Tara Goddess holds a vase in her right hand, symbolizing her ability to grant blessings and protect sentient beings. Her radiant expression reflects her compassionate nature and the transformative power of her offerings.
Noble Tara Goddess with the Color of Gold (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Vase of Wealth
This Tara Goddess, with her golden body, embodies prosperity. The vase she holds symbolizes longevity and wealth, reflecting the Buddhist belief in abundance and good fortune.
Noble Tara Goddess who arises from the Hūṃ of Awareness (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: Arising from the Hūṃ of Awareness
This Tara Goddess is depicted with a slightly wrathful face, reflecting her power to vanquish negativity. Her vase represents her ability to enchant and conquer, while the chrysanthemum flower symbolizes purity and peace.
Noble Tara Goddess Victorious Over the Three Worlds (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Vase of Retribution
The Tara Goddess, with a fierce expression, holds a vase that intoxicates and destroys sinners. Her wrathful countenance reflects her role as a protector and a bringer of divine justice.
Noble Tara Goddess who blazes like fire (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Flaming Wrath
The Tara Goddess's fierce expression and bared fangs symbolize her power to overcome obstacles. Holding a vase in her right hand, she eliminates misfortune and clears the path to enlightenment.
Noble Tara Goddess who is wrathfully frowning (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Wrathful Gaze
The Tara Goddess, with a fierce expression, holds a vase in her right hand, pouring out blade rain to eradicate Maras. This powerful image symbolizes her role as a protector against evil forces.
Noble Tara Goddess who conquers others (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: A Different Posture of Power
This Tara Goddess embodies fierce protection, her bared fangs symbolizing her power to vanquish enemies. Her right hand holds a vase, ready to unleash retribution upon those who harm others.
Noble Tara Goddess who conquers Māras and enemies (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: Conquering Māras and Enemies
This Tara Goddess, with a semi-wrathful expression, holds a vase in her right hand. This vase symbolizes her ability to eradicate Maras and enemies, representing her power and protection.
Noble Tara Goddess who brings Māras and hindrances under her power (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: Bringing Māras and Hindrances under Her
This Tara Goddess, with a red body and fierce countenance, wields a red vase that symbolizes her ability to vanquish those who have transgressed. Her wrathful gaze reflects the divine justice inherent in Buddhist teachings.
Noble Tara Goddess who utters Hūṃ (XVII century) by Saint Zanabazar (1635-1723)The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Noble Tara Goddess: Uttering Hūṃ
This Tara Goddess is depicted with a slightly wrathful face, symbolizing her power to conquer negativity. Her vase enchants and conquers while the chrysanthemum flower represents purity and peace.
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Bronze Masterpieces
These bronze sculptures of Buddhist deities are crafted with extraordinary skill. Cast in solid yet hollow bronze, they are gilded with gold and adorned with intricate jewel ornaments. The silky robes were meticulously crafted with metalworking techniques from a single mold.
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