Splendour In Wood : The Buddhist Monasteries Of BurmaHardcover, 1st Edition Author: Fraser-Lu, Sylvia Publisher: Weatherhill, Incorporated Trumbull, CT, U.S.A. 2001Burmese wooden monasteries and their related pavilions are often fantastically beautiful structures, with upswept roof tips and delicate, spiritually inspired decoration, yet they rarely receive the scholarly attention that they deserve. This is particularly unfortunate given their ephemeral nature in a damp tropical climate, with voracious insect life and the ever-present risk of flood, fire, and earthquake. Many extant structures are in a dilapidated condition—either the original donors have moved away or their descendants no longer have adequate financial resources to maintain a forebear's work. This copiously illustrated book introduces the reader to the beauty and genius of Burmese craftsmanship, documenting wooden monasteries in captioned color and archival photographs, engravings, sketches of floor plans, and drawings of architectural details. The history and practice of their construction and their significance is discussed in detail. Full-color and black and white photographs. A photographic and textual study of the Buddhist wooden monasteries and pavilions of Burma, Part 1 is a detailed history of the development of Buddhism and monasteries in Burma, the place of monks and monasteries in society, and the processes involved in building a monastery. Part 2 describes nearly ninety different edifices visited by the author in the course of her research, in upper and Lower Burma, the Central Burma and the Shan states. Also includes floor-plans of these structures. This book introduces the reader to the beauty and genius of Burmese wood craftsmanship as expressed in the construction and embellishment of Buddhist wooden monasteries. Includes a description of the development of Buddhism and monasteries in Burma, the place of monks and monasteries in society and the processes involved in the building of a monastery. The author then describes some ninety extant monasteries in detail, accompanied by floor plans and lavish photography. An obvious labour of love, the book was some twenty years in the making. 344 pp., over 200 colour plates, 150 drawings, map, dynastic table, glossary, bibliography, index [Printed in Thailand] ONE NEW Hardcover, with color dustjacket, in stock Slightly OVERSIZE book- should not ship in the $5. flat Priority Envelope- book will be damaged. Will ship in Priority Mail BOX- $10. flat fee, for safe arrival |