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ArchitectureKuthodaw
Kuthodaw premise composes of the main stupa modelled after Shwezigon and the subsidiary smaller temples enshrining the inscriptions of Buddhist canons. These temples have been arranged into three groups, namely Vinaya Sutta and Abhidhamma.
ArchitectureMandalay Palace
Mandalay palace can be divided into three parts. Myenan Phyathat, the pointed spired pavilion, is the main throne hall for the main court assembly as well as for the important royal ceremonies. The second part is the private residential area for the monarch. The third part is the residential area of the queens and the concubines. These multi-tiered roofed pavilions are normally considered to be the pavilion for the high-rankings.
ArchitectureShwe Nandaw Kyaung
The wooden pavilion is the rectangular pavilion that is divided into two rooms, presumably the reception hall and the royal private room. The wall is divided into panels and decorated with small wooden figurines. This pavilion used to be decorated with gold leaf, that is why this pavilion had been entitled as the golden royal pavilion,. "Shwenandaw". The roofs are divided into three tiers punctuated with the neck, denoting the pavilion of the high-rankings.
SculptureDrawing depicting Kyauktawgyi
During the period of Amarapura and Mandalay art, the western-influenced realism played an important role in Burmese murals. The picture of Kyauktawkyi was therefore drawn here ford depicting the city of Amarapura itself. The volume of the temple and the landscape at the background are accurate in accordance with the perspective.
PaintingMural depicting Stupa
In Amarapura Mandalay art or the late Kabong period, realism became more popular because of western incluences. As a result, paintings of real Chedi were painted to indicate the city where it belongs. Also, realistic shading and perspective landscape represent changes in thoughts of artists in this period as well.
PaintingBuddha Footprint on the ceiling
It seems that painters at Kyauktawgyi were quite modern in painting modern cosmology. Stars are arranged in groups according to the modern pattern. There are pictures and names that help identify each group of the stars. The painting of stars at Kyauktawgyi show that this Chedi is the actual center of the universe.
PaintingBuddha Footprint on the ceiling
Although paintings at Kyauktawgyi do not show any attempts to replicate Pukam arts, one element that shows a clear influence form Pukam art is the painting of the Lord Buddha footprints on the ceiling. This shows the protection of the Lord Buddha for believers. Although the foorprints show Pukam influences, the surrounding patterns are clearly Acantus from western influecne. As for Thai influence, giant faces of Thai style show that these paintings were painted by Thai artists or their descendants who were brought to Myanmar when they took over Ayutthaya.
PaintingDeva on the ceiling
Paintings at Kyauktawgyi depict prominent Thai Influences in many aspects especially the Thai-style gods and giant faces, which show a clear pattern of Thai classical masked ballet. It is possible that these paintings were painted by Thai artists who were brought to Myanmar when they took over Ayutthaya.
