Figure 1.--We have found an image we do not understand, described as a Mongolian prince (1939). What remained of the Mongolian monarchy was abolished by the Soviets (1920s). We suspect that the photograph was taken in a Japanese controlled area of Inner Mongolia. There is an insdcription on the back identifying the man second frfpom the left as Prince Kungfu-Tsa with his 12-year old son. IWe are not sure if to take that seriosly, but it looks to have been written at or nmear the time the photograph was distributed in 1939.

We have found an image we do not understand, described as a Mongolian prince (1939). What remained of the Mongolian monarchy was abolished by the Soviets (1920s). We suspect that the photograph was taken in a Japanese controlled area of Inner Mongolia. This is an area south and east of Mongolia or Outer Mongolia. The Japanese had invadng Manhutria (1931) Then after becoming established in Manchuria. They began moving steadily south expanding their zone of control toward China proper. Ths included areas of Inner Mongolia. All of Inner Mongolia is now part of the People's Republic. The Japanese co-opted the last Chinese emperor, Puyi, to legitimize their control of Manchuria. This may have been, a similr Japanese effort to co-opt some Mongolian noble. Hopefully readers may know more about this.

Created: 10:07 PM 12/18/2025
Last updated: 10:07 PM 12/18/2025