Tibet Foundation - Buddhism in Mongolia - Art and Design

Cataloguing Buddhist Artifacts with the Ministry of Education

This project was commissioned in 2003 and is the largest the programme has done so far. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture wish to publish a national catalogue of the most important Buddhist artifacts held in the premier museums in the country. The aim of recording them in one comprehensive work is to ensure that what remains of Mongolia 's Buddhist treasures remain in the country and are preserved for the future as a vital element of Mongolia 's cultural heritage. This a complex undertaking involving issues of language, translation, terminology and publishing.

The Mongolian Institute of Buddhist Art (MIBA)

MIBA Student painting. Purevbat established the Mongolian Institute of Buddhist Art in 1994 in the grounds of Gandan Monastery. The goal of the Institute is to revive traditional Mongolian art and ensure its continuation through education. Buddhism in Mongolia has been supporting the Institute since 1999. The Programme is currently supporting the first MA students who have attained an exceptional standard of skill and knowledge in Buddhist Art under the guidance and expertise of the commanding and inspirational Purevbat.

On a recent visit to Mongolia these students showed us some of their exquisite work and the substantial portfolios of art and research they have compiled on their specialist subject matter. This work provides much of the teaching material for the undergraduate students that come from provinces across Mongolia. It is intended that following graduation they will return to their home provinces to work for the revival of traditional art and culture, passing on the skills they have learnt at MIBA.