Genghis Khan’s Portrait
There are no almost portraits of Genghis Khan,
of the ones that exist it is impossible to tell if
it is really his likeness. Some researchers
consider that his image was either middle
Asian or European. In 1368, the Mongols,
who were excluded from the Yuan dynasty
Capital City, did not take many things
because they believed the invading force was
returning soon. The Chinese ruined and
destroyed the cities including monasteries,
houses, buildings, art and books. When the
Mongols moved on, the Chinese felt they
should destroy their culture . Still 20th
century researchers did know that the rare
monuments and papers including Genghis
Khan’s portrait, those that remained from
the Mongol movement, were hidden by Chinese lords.
Mongolian cultures and arts were ruined during the many battles. In 1924, Chinese marshal Fen Yui Syan conquered Beijing by expelling Manchu Khan Pu Ei. In his house were over 500 pictures including portraits of 8 Mongolian khans and 7 queens. Also there were other treasures connected to the Mongol and Yuan State. New findings have suggested that there was indeed an original picture of Genghis. Mongolian painter, Khar Khasun painted the original portrait in 1287. In the portrait his image was drawn as a man of tall body, the hair on his face scanty and white, with black eyes, brown face, and possessed with great energy.
The only existing portrait preserved until today was painted in 1278, almost a half a century after his death. Khubilai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, ordered artist Khorisun to paint the portrait, and asked some of Genghis Khan’s few remaining trusted men to overlook the painting and make sure it reflects the true image.
