Arts of Asia May/June 1981 issue by Sylvia Fraser-Lu TWO TRADITIONAL CRAFTS at which the Burmese excel are wood carving and lacquer work. It is natural that with this expertise, coupled with their devotion to the Theravada Buddhist creed which considered the making and donation of an image to be a particularly meritorious act, many Buddha images came to be made in these two materials. The use of wood for various purposes had been known in Burma at least since Pyu times (circa A.D. 200-900) and lacquer has been mentioned in the inscriptions of Pagan. Unfortunately, due to the ravages of time, insects and weather, not many early images in wood or lacquer, that can be dated with any certainty, have survived. Colossal standing Buddha from Ananda Temple, Pagan, in northern recess of central shrine. Hands are in dharmacakra mudra. Height 32 ft. II th century. Photo, courtesy of Archaeological Department...

Arts of Asia January/February 1981 issue by Sylvia Fraser-Lu BURMA, AS A COUNTRY, has a cultural tradition extending back at least fifteen centuries. The chief factor responsible for this tradition was the introduction of Buddhism from India over 2000 years ago. Buddhism has not only deeply permeated Burmese life, ideas, manners and aspirations, it has also provided the subjects and outlets of expression in Burmese art and architecture. Pagodas, temples and monasteries have been fruitful soil for the most lavish works of sculpture and carving. Over the ages, the Burmese have been indefatigable builders of religious edifices, and statues were needed to fill their halls and relic chambers. The making of a religious object was an act of faith, and also constituted a meritorious deed, hence statues were made in vast numbers. Sandstone Buddha in preaching mudra, with richly dressed man at his feet. Fro...