Ethnic Mongolian bookmarks published at IMNU

Bookmarks made in traditional Mongolian style depict Chinese zodiac characters. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

The first set of bookmarks featuring Chinese zodiac characters in a traditional ethnic Mongolian style was published at Inner Mongolia Normal University (IMNU) in Hohhot, capital of the autonomous region, June 20.

The set of 12 metal bookmarks carry signs of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These zodiac characters are dressed in traditional Mongolian costumes and are playing the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) or wielding a bow and arrow, and represent elements of traditional Inner Mongolian culture.

Designer Cui Xia said his inspiration came from an IMNU student during a classroom discussion on the addition of modern elements to traditional intangible cultural icons to ensure their survival. Production of the bookmarks took only 28 days from concept to final product.