3-077-689 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sketches in Burmah: Burmese wood-carvers, 1890. 'Wood-carving is carried on, to a certain extent, in most large Burmese towns; but the best is done at Henzada, Mandalay, Moulmein, Pokoko, and a few other places. The implements used by the carvers are very simple, consisting of a few small chisels and gouges; and their workshops are the ground in front of their little huts. It is wonderful what beautiful work they can turn out. The best specimens of this carving are to be found in the ornamentation of the various monasteries, or Phoongye Kyoungs, all over the country. Some of the finest work may be seen in the roofs of these buildings, to the decoration of which the utmost skill and ingenuity are applied; and all round the kyoung are exquisitely carved figures of men and animals and demons, representing various legends. Occasionally one comes across figures that would upset the moral equanimity of many people. Some of the most beautiful kyoungs are those in and around the palace at Mandalay. Very little, if any, ornamentation is used in their own dwelling-houses by the Burmese...Besides wood, the Burmese carve exquisitely in ivory'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.