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.

Updated by popular demand, this is the fourth edition of this important bibliography. It lists a wide selection of works on or about Myanmar published in English and in hard copy since the 1988 pro-democracy uprising, which marked the beginning of a new era in Myanmar’s modern history. There are now 2,727 titles listed. They have been written, edited, translated or compiled by over 2,000 people, from many different backgrounds. These works have been organized into thirty-five subject chapters containing ninety-five discrete sections. There are also four appendices, including a comprehensive reading guide for those unfamiliar with Myanmar or who may be seeking guidance on particular topics. This book is an invaluable aid to officials, scholars, journalists, armchair travellers and others with an interest in this fascinating but deeply troubled country.

In A History of Myanmar since Ancient Times, Michael Aung-Thwin and Maitrii Aung-Thwin take us from the sacred stupas of the plains of Pagan to grand, colonial-era British mansions, revealing the storied past and rich culture of this country. The book traces the traditions and transformations of Myanmar’s communities over nearly three millennia, from the relics of its Neolithic civilization to the splendors of its pre-colonial kingdoms, its encounters with British colonialism and the struggles for the republic that followed the end of World War II. The authors also consider the complexities of present-day life in Myanmar and examine the key political events and debates of the last twenty-five years that have brought the world’s attention to the country. By exploring current developments within the broader patterns of Myanmar's history, culture and society, they provide a nuanced perspective on the issues and questions surrounding Myanmar’s future. This updated edition considers the changes that have taken place since the elections of 2010, the reforms that the civilian government introduced, and the ramifications of the country's new international status. It also assesses the implications of the 2012 by-elections, the ensuing political dynamics among various stakeholders, and the continuing socio-economic challenges facing Myanmar in the twenty-first century. The most comprehensive history of Myanmar ever published in the English language, this book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Southeast Asian history and will surprise, challenge, and inform in equal measure.

This book describes the emergence of the Buddhist landscapes of Myanmar. The authoritative text is framed by the artefacts, sites and ecology of Upper and Lower Myanmar, with coverage of the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze-iron chiefdoms that preceded Hindu-Buddhist walled polities of the first millennium AD. Views and descriptions of sites, many not published in English before, include Letpanchibaw, Htaukmagon-Moegyobyin, Badigon, Tagaung, Halin, Sriksetra, Thaton and Dawei. The author's extensive fieldwork with Myanmar academics over the last decade brings an original perspective on the catalysts that structure landscape interaction, enabling expansion of agriculture, resource utilization and international trade networks. While the book's primary focus is the archaeology of Myanmar, this is linked to Yunnan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Asia. The central theme, however, remains the relationship between man and the environment; flexibility was the norm as seasons changed, rivers meandered and seasonal lakes formed, creating the shallow flooded terrain conducive to the early development of wet-rice cultivation, bronze-iron technology and brick-walled sites. Social changes later accelerated with the rise of the state but the author concludes that the most profound transformations were already in place in the first millennium AD landscape of Upper and Lower Myanmar. Profusely illustrated with site plans, site views, maps and artefacts, this book is aimed at encouraging research into the many new areas thrown up by its ground-breaking text. Book jacket.

'Glorious . . . anecdote and information accumulate with marvellous abundance and a passionate sense of the fascination of jewels' Spectator Amber is the tears of prehistoric trees. One gem links Queen Victoria and a skeleton. Cleopatra drank a pearl to win a bet. A man turned into a diamond. When we put on jewels, what are we really wearing? Victoria Finlay travels the world to tell the true stories of these miraculous oddities of nature. 'Filled with eye-catching incidents and stories . . . Finlay's evidence glitters from every page' Sunday Telegraph 'A fascinating and exhaustive travelogue' Times Literary Supplement

Exploring the Cosmos through Gemstones: A Geologic Odyssey Welcome to the captivating journey through the realms of gemstones that extends beyond our terrestrial boundaries. In this unprecedented volume, we embark on a cosmic odyssey, unravelLing the geological tapestry of gemstones not only from Earth but also from celestial bodies within our solar system. This exploration is rooted in the fascinating intersection of geology, petrology, and the enigmatic world of medicinal geology. Our odyssey begins with the letter 'A,' a symbolic entry into the lexicon of celestial gemstones. Each subsequent chapter, corresponding to a letter of the alphabet, unveils the geological wonders of gemstones, their chemical compositions, meanings, and their unique roles in medicinal geology. The celestial gemstones featured in this compendium are not mere cosmic curiosities; they are windows into the geological history of planets, moons, and asteroids. Their formation, crystallization, and metamorphic journeys echo the profound processes shaping the celestial bodies they call home. From the Aegis of Mars with its captivating red hues to the Zephyr of Europa, where ice and minerals dance in a cosmic ballet, we traverse the diverse landscapes of our solar system. Each gemstone is a testament to the geological forces that have sculpted these extraterrestrial landscapes over eons. Every entry in this anthology provides a glimpse into the chemical formulae and meanings behind these gemstones, shedding light on the aesthetic, cultural, and mystical significance they hold. Yet, our exploration goes beyond the aesthetic allure; it delves into the medicinal properties these gemstones offer. Through the lens of medicinal geology, we uncover the healing potential, both ancient and modern, that lies within these celestial treasures. As we navigate the chapters of this book, we invite you to envision a cosmic pharmacy, where gemstones are not just ornamental, but therapeutic. Discover how the energies of these extraterrestrial gems intersect with the well-being of terrestrial life, exploring the profound connections between geological compositions and medicinal applications. In this exploration of gemstones from A to Z, we aim to spark curiosity, inspire awe, and deepen our understanding of the intricate relationships between geology, petrology, and the healing arts. Let this volume be a guide to a cosmic symphony, where the language of gemstones resonates with the geological pulse of the universe. Top of Form