The art of Mongolian dolls takes center stage in a new exhibition in Ulaanbaatar.the Union of Mongolian Artists opened the “Mongolian Doll Makers Exhibition.” This event highlights the deep cultural significance and evolving creativity of Mongolian dolls.
Mongolian dolls have served many purposes since ancient times. Historically, these human and animal figures connected people to spiritual and ritual worlds. Over centuries, Mongolian dolls helped pass down folk traditions and culture. They also taught children about their environment and fostered human relationships. Today, the exhibition combines traditional heritage with modern artistic innovation. More than 20 artists showcase over 100 pieces, spanning artistic dolls, fashion models, and figures for theater, animation, and film.
One prominent participant, doll maker Ch. Enkhtuvshin, brings over 20 years of experience. He crafts six distinct types of dolls, including fashion, animation, master, cyborg, and commercial models. For this exhibition, he presents a “gamedoll” named Khurel Erdene Mangas, featuring a blue roan horse from the Heavenly Realm. This figure draws from the Mongolian Epic of Jangar.
Ch. Enkhtuvshin explained his creative process. In 2006, he exhibited 208 dolls representing Mongolian daily life and culture. Since then, he has crafted more than 3,000 dolls, mostly inspired by Mongolian heritage. For the current exhibition, he spent six years developing the Khurel Erdene Mangas character.
He adapts stories from epics like Jangar and Geser to create interactive toys and animated figures for children. His goal is to transform intangible cultural heritage into tangible artworks. By doing so, he hopes to preserve Mongolian traditions for future generations. He plans to create 80,000 warrior figures from the Epic of Jangar, aiming to turn these into national content through a team-based approach.
Another artist, J. Unurjargal, shares her passion through ball-jointed dolls. These popular Asian-style dolls feature movable joints and customizable facial expressions. Unurjargal highlighted the craftsmanship involved. Simple dolls take 15 to 20 days to complete, while complex pieces may require up to a year. She insists that Mongolian dolls are more than toys; they are true works of art.
The exhibition continues until August 26, 2025. Alongside the display, visitors can join open discussions and master classes designed for both adults and children. This event offers a unique chance to experience Mongolian dolls’ rich cultural story and vibrant artistry firsthand.
