Format
240 x 170 mm

Number of Pages
252 Pages

Illustrations
With 396 colour and 70 b/w photographs, 20 plans and maps

Binding
Paperback

Price
895 Baht / £16.95

ISBN
978 616 7339 45 0

Publication
Published 2006. Updated Edition 2014

Description

High in the mist-shrouded mountains of northern Laos, cut through by the Mekong river, is Luang Prabang, a remote town of glittering Buddhist temples and barefoot monks. The natural setting of the town, on a promontory by the river, encircled by an amphitheatre of steep, verdant mountains enhances its jewel-like identity.

In this lavishly illustrated book, the first to examine all the religious monuments, 33 Buddhist temples are shown, carved from wood and exquisitely frescoed and gilded, with layered roofs sweeping to the ground.  Interiors are adorned with Buddhist images of serene grace and dignity.

The book also reveals the legacy of the French colonisers who arrived in the 19th century and built elegant villas and offices that blended harmoniously with Lao secular architectural traditions.  The fusion of these two cultures resulted in a singular beauty.

Finally, the book celebrates the living arts, in particular the shimmering silkweaving, with photos of weavers and their wealth of ancient patterns and glorious colours.  Once the preserve of the monarchy, these exceptional artistic skills have have recently been revived.

Luang Prabang, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the best preserved town in Southeast Asia.
 

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