Ulaanbaatar
From the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum: Silver Incense Burner
Art & Culture
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. One of the highlight works of craftsmanship - the silver incense burner made by a well-known craftsman named Yerentei Gompil is being kept at the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum.
With a lion, a garuda, and the ‘zee bad’ pattern embossed on its three legs and two sides as well as on its rings, it is apparent that a high level of craftsmanship was required in making the incense burner.
From the early 19th century, craftsmen in the Dalaichoinkhor Van khoshuu of Sain Noyon Khan aimag (modern-day Galt soum of Khuvsgul aimag) perfected their skills in steel carving and creating religious artifacts. The Dalaichoinkhor Van style of steel crafts is considered as a style of craftsmanship that was passed down for generations, with its own set techniques as well as theme. In Dalaichoinkhor Van khoshuu, there were many craftsmen who inherited their knowledge from previous generations, one of whom being G.Yerentei (1872-1952). He specialized in creating religious artifacts, including instruments such as conch shell horns and trumpets aside from incense burners, butter lamps, and bells.
Alongside putting them in front of deities, incense burners are placed at the gates of temples and monasteries. Varying in sizes, they are also made with various materials including copper with gold or silver coating, brass, bronze, and jade.
