Buddhist art of Myanmar

Abstract

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. -- Exhibition: Asia Society Museum, NYC, USA (10.2.-10.5.2015)

Contents

Myanmar: Forging a nation / Sylvia Fraser-Lu and Donald M. Stadtner -- Foundation myths of Myanmar / Patrick Pranke and Donald M. Stadtner -- Inscriptions and chronicles: The historiography of Myanmar / U Tun Aung Chain -- Buddhism and its practice in Myanmar / Patrick Pranke -- Myanmar and the outside world / Jacques Leider -- The Buddha's smile: Art of the first millennium / Robert L. Brown and Donald M. Stadtner -- Ancient Pagan: A plain of merit / Donald M. Stadtner -- After Pagan: The art of Myanmar, 1287-1900 / Sylvia Fraser-Lu -- Buddhist image replication in Myanmar / Adriana Proser -- Art, power, and merit: The veneration of Buddha images in Myanmar museums / Heidi Tan.