Description
Get to know Mandalay period: 1853 – 1948
Mandalay was considered the center of the Buddhist universe in Myanmar. King Mindon moved the capital from Amarapura to this new site and called it the city of Mandalay. Tradition maintains that Gautama Buddha visited the sacred peak of Mandalay Hill with his disciple Ananda, and proclaimed that on the 2400th anniversary of his death, a metropolis of Buddhist learning would be founded on the plain below the hill. The political center of this new city had the perfect geometrical form of a Buddhist Mandala, for which the city was named, Mandalay.
The Mandalay period ends at the time when the Burmese gained their independence from the British.
Mandalay Buddha
Mandalay was considered the most beautiful and popular art in Burma and thus Burmese Art prospered and developed in this era. The styles of Mandalay Buddha Images and Buddha statues were many since King Mandon. A devout Buddhist, had filled Mandalay with them and through the years Mandalay art became established as the pure art of Myanmar.
Myanmar styles
- No halo above the head. (Arakan style influenced)
- An Oval-shaped face with a thick rim.
- Human-like facial features, except the ears which were elongated to the shoulders.
- A slender body (Ramayana influenced)
- An image seated in the crossed-legged position with a wide lap and the upper parts of the legs and knees touching the pedestal base.
- Adorned images were decorated with a full range of accessories but the crown was optional. (This style only be found in Mandalay style).
- Most images were lacquered, painted with Chad (red colour), gilded and finally decorated with inlaid glass. The borders of the face and the robe were embossed with inlaid glass decorations.
- Crowned images in royal attire wore a conical crown similar in shape to the crown of the Mahamuni Buddha Image.
Do you know ‘Calling the Earth to Witness’ or ‘Subduing Mara’ posture?
The Buddha is seated on a pedestal in the Bhumisparsa or ‘Calling the Earth to Witness’ mudra. With fingers slightly touching the ground this position represents the subduing of Mara (a demon) who bombarded Buddha with demons, monsters, violent storms and the three seductive daughters. Remaining steadfast the Buddha testified to his meritorious past by pointing to the earth and calling the Earth Goddess, Thorani.
Rising from the ground the Earth Goddess wrings the water from her long black hair. By this action she raises a torrential flood that drowns Mara and his army of demons. This gesture reflects this story symbolizing enlightenment, as well as steadfastness and Buddha’s achievement of perfection or nirvana.
Yaowarat Antique : The Antique shop
“Yaowarat Antique” located in Yaowarat Street known as the old town of Bangkok has been open for over 30 years. Started by the family of “Danvirunhavanich”. By having a passion for collecting little antique items such as old stamps, and antique toys into Benjarong or Porcelain plates. Then Mr.Danvirunhavanich began to open his own antique shop which at first named “Chiva sart” meaning “The lesson of life”. After the retirement of Mr.Danvirunhavanich, “Tee” known as “Tee Yaowarat” : son of Mr.Danvirunhavanich has taken over to take care of this antique shop. Yaowarat Antique Shop is a popular-oriented antique store among Bangkokian people. Many of their antiques have a unique southeast Asian and Thai style. For those who love Asian antiques, once you come to Bangkok, it’s a must to visit this place!
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