Snuff-bottles are interesting and is the token of respect and peaceful communication for Mongolians. Once the snuff-bottles are exchanged wishful words and greetings come to mind and set the peaceful mood and are being used by people of all ages. We had a chance to talk about snuff-bottles, a unique cultural feature of Mongolians with a master of snuff-bottles Mr D.Purevsuren.
Since when did you start crafting the snuff-bottles?
When I graduated 8th grade at the age of 16 I have visited my master State Falcon Gankhuu with hadag and became his apprentice. Although there were courses offered in arts and crafts at the University of the Arts and Culturу, I have preferred the master and apprentice schooling. My master was wrestler, race horse trainer and craftsman meaning he could teach me more on the traditions and traditional craftsmanship more than any school could do.
On the day of my approach I have made sure it was right day to become apprentice and prepared the white hadag with plate of dairy products. At that time my master was working as craftsman at the Urt Tsagaan. He taught me the traditional craftsmanship in a proper way. I always pay my respect to my master.
Why did you choose to be a craftsman?
Mongolian craftsmanship, Mongolian arts and Mongolian heritage were always close to me since my very early years. My mother worked as the craftswoman at the Hand Craft Manufacture all her life. This was the one and only arts manufacture in Mongolia and many skilled artists have been working there. I have spent my childhood among those great masters. I could see them at their craft for hours and got enchanted with it.
Many say that craftsmanship is passed through genes. Were there any other craftsmen in your bloodline?
My mother’s side had many craftsmen. My master probably knew it and was always saying to my parents that he wanted to train one of us. I have been doing craftsmanship for over 20 years since first I have approached my master back in 1990s.
I started with crafting of silver bowls, which I have never stopped doing. I have come up with the Badarkhundaga bowl brand, which comprises several craftsmanship techniques of Dariganga such as Noyon Servee, Batnorov and Badarkhundaga in one bowl. Crafting of a silver bowl requires numerous techniques from the master from melting the silver and forging it into bowl.
What principles do you adhere in your craftsmanship?
Our master was very strict and taught us that craftsman is a valued how one forges the metal, craftsman should value tools and clean them, as with only clean tools beauty is crafted. Moreover he would always teach us to be honest and never cheat. Also taught us never to change materials of a customer as anything that customer brings might be something precious to that person. He would say to us to that we are fortunate as we can touch precious metals and stones in bulk and would specifically tell us not to waste small bit of material.
How long did you study under your master?
There were three of us and our master told us that we have to study for five years and to adhere to whatever he says and teaches. He also asked if we could bear five years with him. He was very respected among the wrestlers and many would visit him.
Our master always crafted quality products. If we came up with something of less quality he would tear it apart. He made me to forge inside of silver bowl for three years. I did only it for whole three years, just to make sure that we can forge any shape with only a hammer. He would teach us that fine craftsmanship is when only hammer was used to create the product.
NOBLE MAN WOULD USE WHITE JADE SNUFF-BOTTLE
Mongolians say that craftsman owns mind of god, probably because of how much thought and skills were needed to craft the beauty with metals and stones?
It is important how to cut the stone and how to mold the metals. I spent happy five years as an apprentice to my master. Many skilled craftsmen would come to him and form teams to craft great products. One of those is Orgodol master who crafted all the jewelry and crafts for movie Mandukhai the Great. I had once in a lifetime chance to work with those great masters and main thing I learned from them is every creation should be depicting the soul and character.
Many artists talk about muse. Do craftsmen have such muse?
We do have muse. Some clients want me to craft a snuff-bottle for their father who is a scientist. From that moment I have to start think which stone should be appropriate for this occasion and so on.
Is there a purpose behind each snuff-bottle?
There is indeed. At early times monks would use Suuj snuff-bottles and viewed it as mirror of a spirit. Suuj means crystal. There are many types of crystal such as pink, smoky and watery crystal. Monks preferred using smoky and watery snuff-bottles as the stone itself would change.
Noble man preferred white jade as jade has properties to calm its holder. Spotted chalcedony snuff-bottles were used widely by people. Chalcedony is believed to be a good keeper, while spotted chalcedony is seen as a symbol of strength. Asashoryu D.Dagvadorj owns black jade snuff-bottle, which belonged to General Damdinsuren.
Also moss agate is seen as good stone for a male. There is a myth that Garuda bird would spew with moss agate and is believed that if one carries moss agate snuff-bottle snakes and wild animals would stay away.
Which stone is good for health?
Green jade is believed to have healing properties. Especially when is worn as ring and used as a cup. There are traces that ancient clans were using green jade bowls and cups for its healing properties.
Also different types of chalcedony are believed to have strong healing powers and are used widely worldwide.
Is it correct that Mongolians have introduced use of stones into everyday lifestyle?
In historical findings of 8th century it was told that Mongol soldiers would carry stones of their homeland when raiding the other lands. They would put the stone in the tea or put on wounds. But China has the history of using stones for over 5000 years and even today young and old people would have something made of stone.
Are there rich deposits of those semi precious stones in Mongolia?
Mongolia is rich with chalcedony. There are over 200 types of it. Mongolian chalcedony is very unique by its structure and color combinations. Biggest turquoise deposit is in Erdenet
Which stone is considered the most precious?
Natural structure is important. Stone with no cracks is considered the most valued. Mongolians would use clean stone with no cracks. If the snuff-bottle were getting cracks Mongolians would offer it to spirits and gods by leaving it at ovoo. Mongolians prefer not to use such as it brings bad luck in life. Clean snuff-bottles with no cracks can be valued at any price. I am thinking of opening my exhibition abroad as well.
Are there any automated tools for making the snuff-bottles?
Snuff-bottles are carved manually by hand. There is no machinery or such equipment that would do carvings for snuff-bottle, because the size of stone differs and the size itself dictates the shape. The shape that is mostly known today were crafted back in 18th century and seen as most unique.
I tried to carve square and triangle shapes, but still the current shape is the original one. When grafting the snuff-bottle one should be very careful and not destroy the stone structure. It is important to create with passion and not to go after money. Otherwise the creation won’t last long. I don’t like either to craft for those who are not paying much attention to what they want. It should be ordered and done with care. I say to my customers that one can bring back if one is not satisfied with my work.
Because you are confident about your creation?
Indeed. I like to pay attention to quality rather than quantity. It is always a best reward for my work when someone sincerely thanks me for my work.
Some believe that bigger the snuff-bottle pricier it is?
Not at all. There are small sized bottles, but have a huge price tag. It usually depends on the stone itself and colors that the stone features. I have at home a tradition to talk over the snuff-bottle with my children. I ask them if they had successful day, if they had great day with their friends. It is one way of communication and getting close and it also gives them understanding of respect for their father.
What do you think of people without snuff-bottle?
I think that it would be difficult for them to start a conversation. Snuff-bottle is a part of a greeting and is an icebreaker as it instantly gives people the topic of conversation. I am happy to observe that lately Mongolians are interested in using snuff-bottles.
What would be your advice to buy s snuff-bottle?
I would advice to choose it very carefully as it is passed through generations. Mostly it would be good to use a stone that is good for one or use stone, which is of one’s favorite color. Most important it should not have any cracks.
Snuff-bottles if made with quality stone will add in its shine year after year. I do believe that stones are alive and once a year they breathe.
Thank you for you time and happy Tsagaan Sar
Snuff-bottles are interesting and is the token of respect and peaceful communication for Mongolians. Once the snuff-bottles are exchanged wishful words and greetings come to mind and set the peaceful mood and are being used by people of all ages. We had a chance to talk about snuff-bottles, a unique cultural feature of Mongolians with a master of snuff-bottles Mr D.Purevsuren.
Since when did you start crafting the snuff-bottles?
When I graduated 8th grade at the age of 16 I have visited my master State Falcon Gankhuu with hadag and became his apprentice. Although there were courses offered in arts and crafts at the University of the Arts and Culturу, I have preferred the master and apprentice schooling. My master was wrestler, race horse trainer and craftsman meaning he could teach me more on the traditions and traditional craftsmanship more than any school could do.
On the day of my approach I have made sure it was right day to become apprentice and prepared the white hadag with plate of dairy products. At that time my master was working as craftsman at the Urt Tsagaan. He taught me the traditional craftsmanship in a proper way. I always pay my respect to my master.
Why did you choose to be a craftsman?
Mongolian craftsmanship, Mongolian arts and Mongolian heritage were always close to me since my very early years. My mother worked as the craftswoman at the Hand Craft Manufacture all her life. This was the one and only arts manufacture in Mongolia and many skilled artists have been working there. I have spent my childhood among those great masters. I could see them at their craft for hours and got enchanted with it.
Many say that craftsmanship is passed through genes. Were there any other craftsmen in your bloodline?
My mother’s side had many craftsmen. My master probably knew it and was always saying to my parents that he wanted to train one of us. I have been doing craftsmanship for over 20 years since first I have approached my master back in 1990s.
I started with crafting of silver bowls, which I have never stopped doing. I have come up with the Badarkhundaga bowl brand, which comprises several craftsmanship techniques of Dariganga such as Noyon Servee, Batnorov and Badarkhundaga in one bowl. Crafting of a silver bowl requires numerous techniques from the master from melting the silver and forging it into bowl.
What principles do you adhere in your craftsmanship?
Our master was very strict and taught us that craftsman is a valued how one forges the metal, craftsman should value tools and clean them, as with only clean tools beauty is crafted. Moreover he would always teach us to be honest and never cheat. Also taught us never to change materials of a customer as anything that customer brings might be something precious to that person. He would say to us to that we are fortunate as we can touch precious metals and stones in bulk and would specifically tell us not to waste small bit of material.
How long did you study under your master?
There were three of us and our master told us that we have to study for five years and to adhere to whatever he says and teaches. He also asked if we could bear five years with him. He was very respected among the wrestlers and many would visit him.
Our master always crafted quality products. If we came up with something of less quality he would tear it apart. He made me to forge inside of silver bowl for three years. I did only it for whole three years, just to make sure that we can forge any shape with only a hammer. He would teach us that fine craftsmanship is when only hammer was used to create the product.
NOBLE MAN WOULD USE WHITE JADE SNUFF-BOTTLE
Mongolians say that craftsman owns mind of god, probably because of how much thought and skills were needed to craft the beauty with metals and stones?
It is important how to cut the stone and how to mold the metals. I spent happy five years as an apprentice to my master. Many skilled craftsmen would come to him and form teams to craft great products. One of those is Orgodol master who crafted all the jewelry and crafts for movie Mandukhai the Great. I had once in a lifetime chance to work with those great masters and main thing I learned from them is every creation should be depicting the soul and character.
Many artists talk about muse. Do craftsmen have such muse?
We do have muse. Some clients want me to craft a snuff-bottle for their father who is a scientist. From that moment I have to start think which stone should be appropriate for this occasion and so on.
Is there a purpose behind each snuff-bottle?
There is indeed. At early times monks would use Suuj snuff-bottles and viewed it as mirror of a spirit. Suuj means crystal. There are many types of crystal such as pink, smoky and watery crystal. Monks preferred using smoky and watery snuff-bottles as the stone itself would change.
Noble man preferred white jade as jade has properties to calm its holder. Spotted chalcedony snuff-bottles were used widely by people. Chalcedony is believed to be a good keeper, while spotted chalcedony is seen as a symbol of strength. Asashoryu D.Dagvadorj owns black jade snuff-bottle, which belonged to General Damdinsuren.
Also moss agate is seen as good stone for a male. There is a myth that Garuda bird would spew with moss agate and is believed that if one carries moss agate snuff-bottle snakes and wild animals would stay away.
Which stone is good for health?
Green jade is believed to have healing properties. Especially when is worn as ring and used as a cup. There are traces that ancient clans were using green jade bowls and cups for its healing properties.
Also different types of chalcedony are believed to have strong healing powers and are used widely worldwide.
Is it correct that Mongolians have introduced use of stones into everyday lifestyle?
In historical findings of 8th century it was told that Mongol soldiers would carry stones of their homeland when raiding the other lands. They would put the stone in the tea or put on wounds. But China has the history of using stones for over 5000 years and even today young and old people would have something made of stone.
Are there rich deposits of those semi precious stones in Mongolia?
Mongolia is rich with chalcedony. There are over 200 types of it. Mongolian chalcedony is very unique by its structure and color combinations. Biggest turquoise deposit is in Erdenet
Which stone is considered the most precious?
Natural structure is important. Stone with no cracks is considered the most valued. Mongolians would use clean stone with no cracks. If the snuff-bottle were getting cracks Mongolians would offer it to spirits and gods by leaving it at ovoo. Mongolians prefer not to use such as it brings bad luck in life. Clean snuff-bottles with no cracks can be valued at any price. I am thinking of opening my exhibition abroad as well.
Are there any automated tools for making the snuff-bottles?
Snuff-bottles are carved manually by hand. There is no machinery or such equipment that would do carvings for snuff-bottle, because the size of stone differs and the size itself dictates the shape. The shape that is mostly known today were crafted back in 18th century and seen as most unique.
I tried to carve square and triangle shapes, but still the current shape is the original one. When grafting the snuff-bottle one should be very careful and not destroy the stone structure. It is important to create with passion and not to go after money. Otherwise the creation won’t last long. I don’t like either to craft for those who are not paying much attention to what they want. It should be ordered and done with care. I say to my customers that one can bring back if one is not satisfied with my work.
Because you are confident about your creation?
Indeed. I like to pay attention to quality rather than quantity. It is always a best reward for my work when someone sincerely thanks me for my work.
Some believe that bigger the snuff-bottle pricier it is?
Not at all. There are small sized bottles, but have a huge price tag. It usually depends on the stone itself and colors that the stone features. I have at home a tradition to talk over the snuff-bottle with my children. I ask them if they had successful day, if they had great day with their friends. It is one way of communication and getting close and it also gives them understanding of respect for their father.
What do you think of people without snuff-bottle?
I think that it would be difficult for them to start a conversation. Snuff-bottle is a part of a greeting and is an icebreaker as it instantly gives people the topic of conversation. I am happy to observe that lately Mongolians are interested in using snuff-bottles.
What would be your advice to buy s snuff-bottle?
I would advice to choose it very carefully as it is passed through generations. Mostly it would be good to use a stone that is good for one or use stone, which is of one’s favorite color. Most important it should not have any cracks.
Snuff-bottles if made with quality stone will add in its shine year after year. I do believe that stones are alive and once a year they breathe.
Thank you for you time and happy Tsagaan Sar