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Arts in Southeast Asia Database
ArchitectureHtilominlo
The double-storeyed temple of Htilominlo seems to be the copy of Sulamani temple which had been constructed during the previous reign. This temple follows the normal convention, comprising the gigantic core at the lower storey to support the temple at the upper storey. The temple is capped by the Śikhara spire which is not different from Sulamani. The double-storeyed temple is typical to late Pagan art. It was firstly introduced In the reign of Alaungsitthu and became very popular during the reigns of Narapatisitthu and Nantaungmaya.
ArchitectureMahabodhi
As this temple is the imitation of the great temple at Bodhgaya, the plan is also laid in accordance with the prototype. The plan of Mahabodhi was designed in the two-chambered scheme with the front room for the Buddha image and the rear one for the Bodhi tree. The body of the temple is designed in the form of Jagatī platform supporting quincunx Śikhara temples which is called in Indian term as Pañcāyatana scheme. The Śikhasra spire is designed with trapezoid contour, similar to Bodhgaya’s Śikhara in Indian art. This uniqueness attests the attempt of the replication of Bodhagaya temple in India. The spire of Mahabodhi at Pagan, therefore is totally different from the normal curvilinear-contoured Śikhara in other Pagan temple.
ArchitectureMingala Zedi
Mingala Zedi follows the normal convention of the Pure Burmese Stupa in Pagan art. The lowest portion is the triple bases in multi-angled plan decorated with Jātaka terra-cotta plaques. The staircases at every cardinal direction, the circumambulatory paths and the corner miniature stupas are provided. The bell-shaped element is ornamented with the central band and the triangular pattern. The Harmikā isa omitted. The spire comprises the rings and the lotus-bud-liked pinnacle. Interestingly, the style of this stupa resembles to that of Shwezigon testifying that Shwezigon seems to be the prototype of several stupas in Burmese art, including Mingalazedi.
ArchitectureShwedagon
Stylistically, Mon Stupa is strongly different from that in Burmese art. The base is broadly divided in to angles. The bases are sloping and the staircases as well as the upper circumambulatory path are absent. Miniatures stupas are normally cloistered at the ground level. The banana-liked bud at the top is more elongate than that of the Burmese one. However, some characters still share the same style as that of Burmese art, including the bell-shaped Anda’s decorations, the absent of Harmika and the insertion of lotus under the banana-liked bud.
ArchitectureShwe Mawdaw
Stylistically, Mon Stupa is strongly different from that in Burmese art. The base is in multi-angular octagonal plan . The bases are sloping and the staircases as well as the upper circumambulatory path are absent. Miniatures stupas are normally cloistered at the ground level. The banana-liked bud at the top is more elongate than that of the Burmese one. This Stupa was rebuilt following the collapse of the Stupa due to the powerful earthquake in the early 20th century. The newly constructed Stupa is unfortunately not as beautiful as the former one.
ArchitectureSule
Sule is octagonal in modelling, this form continues from the bottom to the pinnacle making this stupa extraordinary. The base mouldings comprise the triple sloping mouldings and the triple torus. The emphasis of the slope of the base is typical to the Stupa in Mon country. Interestingly, the triple torus mouldings substitute the normal platform which is extraordinary for Mon stupa. This mode of substitution is also typical to Mon stupa, not to the Burmese ones.
ArchitectureMahazedi
Mahazedi is the stupa in octagonal plan. Whereas the moulding of the bases is designed in sloping Mon-affiliated fashion, the staircases of the Burmese affiliation punctuate the moulding in every direction. The bell-shaped element and the spire are newly-added. The combination between Mon and Burmese affiliations corresponds to the historical event. During that time, the capital of the Burmese Taung U kingdom was shifted to Hamsavati. This shift encourages the intermingling between two schools of art.
ArchitectureKyaik Htiyo
The hanging rock on the cliff is of the most exciting natural phenomenon. This natural stone was thereon converted onto the Buddhist monument. The Karens, who were formerly followed animism, were supposed to be the ones who establish the sacredness of the rock prior the advent of Buddhism. Thereafter, the rock was established as the Buddhist monument by the Mons.
