Ulaanbaatar
Commemorative Stamp Honors Legacy of First Spiritual Leader Zanabazar
Art & Culture
Ulaanbaatar, November 22, 2025 /MONTSAME/. On the occasion of the 863rd Anniversary of the Birth of the Great Emperor Chinggis Khaan, Mongolia has unveiled a commemorative stamp dedicated to the 390th Anniversary of the Birth of Great Saint Undur Gegeen Zanabazar.
The stamp pays tribute to the revered spiritual leader's enduring legacy and invaluable contributions to Mongolia’s cultural and artistic heritage. The commemorative issue is now being distributed through international postal networks, making it accessible to collectors worldwide.
This edition is presented as a distinguished block of
stamps, embellished with refined decorative artistry and advanced printing
techniques. The format underscores the ceremonial and collectible nature,
elevating the release as both a cultural artifact and a philatelic treasure of
distinction. Described as a ‘cultural ambassador’, the stamp symbolizes
Mongolia’s national pride and heritage, carrying these values across the world
and transcending the boundaries of time.
The official launch ceremony took place in the Silver Tree
Hall of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, attended by Minister of
Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Undram Chinbat, Director
of the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts Baigalmaa Purevsukh,
and representatives from the Stamp Securities
Department of Mongol Post JSC.
The front side of the stamp features a portrait of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar holding a bell and a vajra, key ritual objects in Buddhism, while the reverse side presents a passage from his well-known work Janlavtsogzol (The Ornament of Clear Realization) in Tibetan, conveying the philosophy of living in harmony with the world. Tibetan mantras of the heart further enrich the reverse, adding spiritual depth to the release. This issue also recalls Mongolia’s philatelic history: in 1998, a set of seven stamps under the theme ‘Zanabazar’s Works’ were released.
Zanabazar (1635-1723) is revered not only as a religious leader but also as a visionary artist. His works, including Janlavtsogzol, combine doctrinal depth with practical guidance for ethical living, reflecting his dual legacy of spiritual and cultural leadership.
The commemorative stamp was designed by J. Gankhuyag and illustrated by B. Baatarkhuu, a stamp and security paper artist known for his mastery of shamanic symbolism. The design also incorporates works by porcelain artist Khadkhuu Khaltar, who studies Zanabazar’s artistry and recreated his works in ceramic and porcelain, further bridging Mongolia’s artistic traditions with modern philatelic expression.
