The "Mongol Hun Gem Chess" Now on Display
Art & Culture
Ulaanbaatar, January 28, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The "Mongol Hun Gem Chess," sophisticatedly crafted with an aim to promote the valuable cultural artifacts of the Luut City [Dragon City], the ancient capital of the Hunnu Empire, to the world, is now on display at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum of Mongolia.
The Unveiling Ceremony of the "Mongol Hun Gem Chess" was held on January 27, 2025. The Ceremony was attended by Head of the Office of the President of Mongolia and President of the Mongolian Chess Federation Zandanshatar Gombojav, and Secretary-General of the Mongolian Chess Federation Naranbaatar Bukhchuluun.
President of the Mongolian Chess Federation Zandanshatar Gombojav noted, “President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa issued a Decree on Supporting the Mongol History Studies to accelerate the study and promotion of Mongol history, including the origin of the Mongols, statehood traditions, heritages of nomadic civilization, the contributions of the Mongols to world history, and to strengthen the shared national values and independence of Mongolia. In line with the Decree, the “Mongol Hun Gem Chess,” a one-of-a-kind chess set, was made with Mongol craftsmanship.”
Director and Craftsman of the "Shidirev" Workshop R. Bayasgalan said, “I began working on this chess set in 2003, a time when historical research related to the Hunnu Empire was scarce. Fortunately, today, the ruins of Luut City, the ancient capital of the Hunnu Empire, have been uncovered through archaeological excavation, and the epics of Mongol chess are being revealed. The Mongol Hun Gem Chess, infused with Mongol craftsmanship, is now publicly displayed. I have dedicated 20 years of my life to creating this chess set. Through this work, my goal is to demonstrate that chess, a game that quenches the intellectual thirst of humanity, actually originated in Mongolia."
Member of the Academic Council of St. Petersburg State University of the Russian Federation and Researcher of Ancient Chess A. Batzorig noted, “Although it is widely believed that the game of chess originated 1,500 years ago, several pieces of evidence suggest that it actually originated in the Hunnu Empire. Therefore, the date for the creation of chess should be considered even earlier. The "Mongol Hun Gem Chess" beautifully embodies chess concepts recorded in ancient sutras.” Also, President of the Mongolian Chess Federation Zandanshatar Gombojav and the first Chess Grandmaster of Mongolia and Honored Athlete of Mongolia B. Khatanbaatar made a ceremonial first move on the exquisite chess set.
Inspired by archaeological finds in Mongolia, the chess set combines intricate Mongol craftsmanship with modern technology. The chessboard itself weighs 61.3 kilograms, measuring 82 cm by 82 cm and standing 30 cm high. Its storage box weighs 49.9 kilograms, measuring 64 cm by 40 cm and 45 cm high. Made of gold, silver, and precious stones, the "Mongol Hun Gem Chess" is scheduled to be auctioned in Hong Kong this March. The chess set will be displayed to the public at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum of Mongolia until March 12, 2025.
Previously, Craftsman R. Bayasgalan created monumental works, including the Constitution of Mongolia, the Secret History of the Mongols, and the Book of Honored Guests of the State Palace of Mongolia.