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Arts in Southeast Asia Database
SculptureJataka Scenes at Shwenandawkyaung
In the reign of king Mindong, western influence featured hugely in Myanmese art and Acanthas was adapted to use in Myanmaese architecture. This is a carving telling the Jataka stories surrounded by Acantas decorated at teh corners of the platform in the building of Shwenandawkyaung. It is possible that such decorations were added later when the building was already turned into the temple.
SculptureJataka Scenes at Shwenandawkyaung
In the reign of king Mindong, western influence featured hugely in Myanmese art and Acanthas was adapted to use in Myanmaese architecture. This is a carving telling the Jataka stories surrounded by Acantas decorated at teh corners of the platform in the building of Shwenandawkyaung. It is possible that such decorations were added later when the building was already turned into the temple.
SculptureSarasvati in the form of Nat
Sarassavati, the goddess of knowledge in Hinduism, has become the guardian of Buddhism knowledge in Myanmar. This shows how Hinduism was absorbed by Buddhism, which was a common thing in the Southeast Asia.
ArchitectureStupa: Wat Peng
Stua at Wat Peng is a stupa in an octagonal plan. The important feature is the angled lotus bell-shaped element, which is the unique feature of Lan Chang. The base is Bua Khao Prom in the form of lion legs. This shows the relationship with the lion base in the middle Ayuthaya and is very similar to the same part at Wat ong Tue, Tha Bor Subdistrict, Nong Khai.
ArchitectureStupa: Wat Nak Yai
Stupa at Wat Nak Yai is the most beautiful Prasat-type in Vientiane area. It is very similar to Lanna art. The chamber is redented with 20 corners. The niches on the four sides enshrine the standing Buddha images. Above the chamber is a base supoorting the redented bell-shaped element with 12 corners. and the top part is the angled lotus. This stupa might have been built from the reign of king Chai Chetthathirat to the reign of king Suriyawongsathammikaraj. This was the period when Lan Chang art was still closely related to Lanna and Ayutthaya arts.
ArchitectureSim: Wat Sisaket
Sim at Wat Srisaket is a Vientiane sim that has high roofs on the sides. This is different from low roofs of Luang Phra Bang and Chiang Kwang. There are surrounding Palai, which is very similar to Ubosot in Rattanakosin art. The door and window are of Mondop shape, which is similar to ubosot at Wat Phra Sri Sasadaram in Bangkok. However, the multi-tiered roof is similar to Lan Chang. The colorless tiles, the gabel apex and the Prasat on the top of the roof are all unique characteristics of Lan Chang.
ArchitectureScriptural Hall: Wat Sisaket
Scripture hall at Wat Srisaket has a Mondop-type roof ( a multi-tiered roof with a small pediment). This is very similar to the scripture hall at Wat Pha Srisasadaram in Bangkok. However, the multi-tiered roof and the unglazed tiles are of Lan Chnag Style. Inside, there is a large golden Tripitaka cabinet.
ArchitectureThat Dam
What is surpirsing about this is that That Phoon is the only attempt to replicate stupa of Mon style. In particular, a highly redented square base and the sloping base to support the bell-shaped element without a square form are all important characteristics of Mon stupa in Myanmar.
