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Bagan Buddhist art
Explore the fascinating world of Bagan Buddhist art, one of the greatest traditions of medieval Myanmar. Discover Bagan Buddha statues, bronze sculptures, terracotta votive tablets, stucco figures and temple art from the 11th to 13th centuries. Learn about the distinctive style, iconography and craftsmanship of Bagan sculpture, as well as the Indian, Pyu and Mon influences that shaped the development of Burmese Buddhist art.


Bagan Buddhist Art Evolution: From Pyu to the late Bagan Buddha statues - Pagan
Discover the fascinating evolution of Bagan Buddhist art, from the ancient Pyu tradition and the influence of Pala India to the refined classical Buddha images of the 11th and 12th centuries. Explore how King Anawrahta’s patronage of Theravada Buddhism transformed Burmese sculpture, how local Pyu craftsmen adapted Indian models, and how the elegant classical Bagan Buddha gradually evolved into the more monumental images of the Late Bagan period.

Denis Lepage
3 days ago9 min read


Burmese Votive Tablets in Clay: From the Pyu Period to Bagan
Burmese votive tablets: a guide and reflection of this part of Myanmar Buddhist art. From the pyu period until now votive tablets were used as a donation to relic chambers. Discover more about it

Denis Lepage
Aug 309 min read


The birth of Early Bamar Buddhist Imagery in Myanmar. A Mariage between Pala and Pyu
Explore the origins of early Bamar Buddhist sculpture and the fascinating meeting of Pyu and Pala artistic traditions. This article examines how these influences contributed to the emergence of a distinctive Burmese Buddhist visual language before and during the rise of Bagan.

Denis Lepage
Aug 213 min read


Crowned Buddha from Burma / Myanmar
The crowned Buddha is one of the most fascinating expressions of Burmese Buddhist art, combining the spiritual authority of the Buddha with the visual language of kingship. Discover the origins, symbolism and evolution of this powerful iconography in Myanmar.

Denis Lepage
Aug 153 min read


The savior of Theravada Buddhism: Bagan king Anarwatha
King Anawrahta transformed the history of Myanmar and played a decisive role in the development of Theravada Buddhism in Bagan. Discover how his reign, religious reforms and connections with Sri Lanka helped establish the foundations of one of Southeast Asia's greatest Buddhist civilizations.

Denis Lepage
Aug 152 min read
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