
Handmade Crafts & Fine Arts of Mongolia
Mongolia’s artistic heritage is deeply rooted in its nomadic lifestyle. For thousands of years, nomads crafted everything they needed for daily life—homes, tools, clothes, saddles, jewelry—by hand. From these necessities grew a rich and sophisticated artistic tradition.
Today, Mongolian crafts and fine arts remain a powerful expression of the nation’s history, creativity, and cultural identity.




Handmade Crafts of the Nomads
Mongolian nomads have long been skilled in embroidery, felt-making, leatherwork, metalwork, bone carving, and jewelry design. These crafts developed from practical needs but evolved into refined artistic forms.
Ancient Origins
Craft Revival in the 19th–20th Centuries
After Mongolia gained independence in 1911, monasteries, temples, and cultural centers were rebuilt.
This era saw flourishing:
Over time, craftwork became an independent branch of Mongolian art.
Patterns & Symbolism
Mongolia has over 7,000 traditional patterns, each with symbolic meaning.
Among the most ancient:
Traditional motifs reflect the Mongolian worldview, wishes, and values.
Master Craftsmen & Materials
Mongolian artisans work with more than 200 materials, including:
Renowned Craft Regions
Dariganga craftsmen are famous for:
Saddles & Jewelry
Mongolian saddles are masterpieces combining:
Ger Furniture
Wooden craft traditions include:
๐ผ๏ธ Mongolian Fine Arts
Mongolia’s fine arts reflect thousands of years of cultural layering—from shamanistic symbols to Buddhist iconography, to modern creative expression.
Bronze Age to Early Empires
Buddhist Influence
With the arrival of Buddhism:

The Ger as an Art Gallery
Everyday objects—saddles, chests, tables, rugs—became canvases for artistic expression, decorated with patterns, color symbolism, and spiritual motifs.
Thangka Art & Religious Aesthetics
Before the 20th century, most Mongolian fine art was religious.
Thangkas (Tanka)
Painted or appliqued thangka scrolls depict Buddhist deities and follow strict rules of:
Three main styles exist:
Artists used cotton, linen, and silk, creating works found in nearly every yurt and monastery.
Zanabazar — Master of Mongolian Renaissance Art
G. Zanabazar (1635–1723) was a sculptor, spiritual leader, and Mongolian Renaissance figure. His works are celebrated for their:
Famous Works
Modern & Contemporary Art
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mongolian artists shifted toward realism and secular themes.
Key Developments

Mongolian Aesthetic Philosophy
Mongolian beauty ideals emphasize:
In art, foreground and background are equally important, reflecting Mongolian philosophy where everything in the universe is interconnected.
Handicrafts Today
The Mongolian government supports artisans by purchasing significant artworks for museums such as the National Modern Art Gallery. Today, traditional crafts continue to thrive—both as cultural heritage and as modern creative expression.
Visitors can explore handmade crafts at:




