Collection of the Buddhist sculptures of Mongolia of the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia
The collection of the Buddhist sculpture of Mongolia, which is related to the founder of the Mongolian school in the Buddhist art G. Zanabazar (1635-1723), is observed for the first time at this article. The process of research of the collection involved visual and comparative methods as well as conversance with the master’s works in museums of Mongolia. As a result, three groups of the Buddhist sculptures with special features of the school were fetched out: one-piece and heavy-walled casting, lucent gilding, special technic of sculpture consecrating. The collection cherry on top is Zanabazar’s own work - a sculpture of Buddha of longevity Amitayus. Furthermore, about thirty sculptures of 18th - 19th centuries represent his school. The third group of the sculptures consists of late works of Mongolian masters by way of replica and imitating. This collection of the Mongolian sculptures of the museum was mentioned by the article author at scientific conference in Mongolia dedicated to the 350th anniversary of Zanabazar’s birth. The article aim is to introduce to the readers the “reference” works of the great Zanabazar and his school, which prepared a basis for creation for the next generation of artists.