A stunning showcase of exceptional and rare works of Buddhist art, presented to the international community for the first time The practice of Buddhism in Myanmar (Burma) has resulted in the production of dazzling objects since the 5th century. This landmark publication presents the first overview of these magnificent works of art from major museums in Myanmar and collections in the United States, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, and religious implements created for temples and monasteries, or for personal devotion. Many of these pieces have never before been seen outside of Myanmar. Accompanied by brilliant color photography, essays by Sylvia Fraser-Lu, Donald M. Stadtner, and scholars from around the world synthesize the history of Myanmar from the ancient through colonial periods and discuss the critical links between religion, geography, governance, historiography, and artistic production. The authors examine the multiplicity of styles and techniques throughout the country, the ways Buddhist narratives have been conveyed through works of art, and the context in which the diverse objects were used. Certain to be the essential resource on the subject, Buddhist Art of Myanmar illuminates two millennia of rarely seen masterpieces.

Craftsmen have always held an honoured place in Burmese society and have taken great pride in their creative abilities. In pre-colonial Burma, all sections of the population - from royalty to the monkhood to the common folk - used finely crafted objects in their everyday lives. Prehistoricand Historic evidence indicates that the inhabitants of Burma have been fashioning objects of beauty and utility for over 2,000 years.Buddhism over the centuries has been the prime inspiration for much of Burma's artistic endeavour. This, in combination with a thriving body of pre-Buddhist animistic beliefs, a rich oral and vernacular literature, and a love of detailed surface embellishment, have culminated in the production ofdistinctive works of art.In this work, the author introduces the reader to the scope and beauty of Burmese crafts by exploring the historical background, the foundations of Burma's artistic traditions, and the temple and pagoda arts of brick, stucco, sculpture, and painting, before embarking on a systematic survey of thedevelopment and evolution of Burma's major crafts, such as bronze and ironwork, wooden architecture, wood-carving, gold, silver, and jewellery, ceramics, lacquer, textiles and costume, books, paper, baskets, mats, and umbrellas.The author has lived and worked in Asia as a writer and educator for over twenty-five years and has written numerous articles and books about Asian arts and crafts.

Burmese master silversmiths produced a magnificent body of work from the mid-19th to the early 20th centuries – the Burmese Silver Age. This aesthetic and functional work is characterized by a unique decorative style and superb technical artistry. Many of the artefacts are embellished with mysterious visual narratives drawn from ancient religious and mythological sources, communicating spiritual beliefs and values that resonate to this day. Burmese silverwork is a distinct and little-known genre of silver art. This book tackles this obscurity by illuminating and describing for the first time 100 Burmese silver artefacts in a stunning photographic gallery. This silverwork – from the Noble Silver Collection – represents some of the rarest and finest quality work from the Burmese Silver Age. The centrepiece gallery of silverwork masterpieces is bookended by two well-illustrated and informative chapters that provide readers with deeper insights into Burmese silverwork: a robust frame of reference chapter summarises the 2,000-year history and cultural tradition of Burmese silverwork; and a chapter following the gallery deciphers the complex and allegorical iconography of the decoration, which gives the reader a deeper appreciation of its religious and cultural meaning and origin. This book captures the great, almost mystical, allure of Burmese silverwork – from the sublime artistry of the decoration, to the extraordinary skill of the silversmith and the profound meaning and importance of the visual narratives. In doing so, Burmese Silver Art takes its place as a definitive reference work for any art historian, collector, expert, student, or general reader interested in this hitherto-overlooked body of noble art.

The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma) is the most up-to-date travel guide to this rapidly changing country. Now available in ePub format. - Only guidebook to include hundreds of miles of pristine, untouristed beaches in the southeast, which opened up to travelers for the first time while our Rough Guides author was writing this guide. - Showcases regions other guides don't cover, including newly developing ecotourism at Indawgyi Lake and in the northern region. - More detailed coverage of key sights, such as Bagan, and the major cities of Yangon and Mandalay. - More full-color maps and photography than the competition. - Most current listings and prices for hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, and sights. Throughout, travelers will find intuitive cultural content, tips for what to see and what to skip, and practical information on etiquette, transportation, food, drink, costs and currency, and health, plus a handy guide to the Burmese language. Whether travelers look to explore the temple-strewn plains of Bagan, trek through remote villages in Hsipaw, or punt in and around the stilt villages of magnificent Inle Lake, this guidebook gives the honest advice they'll need to plan their trip, navigate the countryside, and make the most of their time in Myanmar (Burma).

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1942. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived

The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma) is the ultimate travel guide to this exciting, largely undiscovered country with clear maps and detailed coverage of all the best Burmese attractions. Discover Myanmar's highlights with stunning photography and information on everything from exploring the iconic temples of Bagan, boating across beautiful Inle Lake or trekking through remote Shan highland villages. Find detailed practical advice on what to see and do in Myanmar, relying on up-to-date descriptions of the best hotels, bars, shops and restaurants for all budgets. Explore every corner of this exciting country with easy-to-use maps to help make sure you don't miss the unmissable. Now available in ePub format. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma).