S C U L P T U R E O F M O N G O L I A
The most famous sculptor of Mongolia, and perhaps one of the best sculptors of Buddhist art, was Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, who lived in the 17th-18th century. His sculptures are renowned for the high quality of his figures, their exquisite forms, and the sense of the sculptures of almost being alive. For example, the detail of his figures includes being executed precisely even on the reverse side. His lotuses are fully finished and round rather than triangular and unfinished.
Zanabazar was recognized by the 5th Dalai Lama as an emanation of the Buddhist scholar Taranatha. He was a skilled sculptor, painter, architect, poet, costume designer, scholar, and linguist, and is credited with leading Mongolia's cultural renaissance during the 17th century.
