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MYANMAR ARTWORKS
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Myanmar ( Burma ) is welknown as an unpopular country in the south east Asia. There are 14 states & divisions in the country. Please see the map below.
- Yangon ( the capital and the major sea and airport location, industries and central government )
- Ayeyarwaddy ( the main agricultural region known as the rice bowl, plain, rivers )
- Bago ( former Mon capital; agricultural and timber land, mountains, rivers )
- Mon ( sea products, agriculture, timber, sea port and beaches )
- Thanin-Tha yi ( sea products, timber, mountains, beautiful islands, beaches, border with Thailand, trade )
- Kayin ( bordering with Thailand; agriculture, plain and mounatins, rivers, border trade )
- Kayah ( bordering with thailand; agriculture, mountains, scenic beauty )
- Rakhine ( bordering Bangladesh, sea products, mountains, ancient city )
- Magway ( agriculture, plain and mountains, rivers )
- Mandalay ( second capital, former Kings's capitals, pagodas, agriculture, trading )
- Shan ( mountains, fruit and vegetable farms, scenic beauty, bordering Thailand, Laos and China )
- Chin ( mountains, scenic beauty, bordering Bangladesh and India, border trade )
- Sagaing ( mountains, plain and rivers, Chindwin river, border with India, border trade )
- Kachin ( mountains, plain, rivers, begining of Ayeyarwaddy, snowland, border with China and India )
Early history of Myanmar begins with the founding of "Pyu" cities along Ayeyarwaddy river from 100miles north of Mandalay to Pyay in central plains, in as early as 5th century BC.
In most documents the three great periods of the history are mentioned as Bagan period ( 11th to 13th century ), Taungoo period ( 16th century ) and Dagon, now Yangon, period ( 18th century ).
Myanmar became British colony after the three wars ( 1825, 1852 and 1885 ).
During the second world war it was occupied by Japanese between 1942 and 1945. Myanmar gained her independence on 4th Jan 1948 from the British.
Myanmar art and handicrafts has its roots in the earliest days of the country. In the findings of the remains of pre-historic people, there are drawings on the earth and rock walls, and hand made wood and rock equipment plus those made from the skin and bones of animals killed.
However most of the paintings and curvings made during the periods of the Kings are on the temples, monasteries, and other Buddhist structures. The wall paintings show Buddhist teachings.
The architects and the designers of the great artworks seen on Bagan temples and elsewhere are unknown to today people. Later in the days of the Kings various styles of paintings, curving, sculpture, cartoon drawing, moulding, etc. came into existance which show some influence from the neighboring countries. Today Myanmar artworks are found in almost every types.
Myanmar artists, nowadays, are creating not only the pictures of temples and pagodas but also the scenes showing the everyday life of people in both urban and rural areas. There are many natural scenery paintings also.
Recently a few art galleries have been founded in both Yangon and Mandalay showcasing the creations of the local artists. Some artists also have been able to organise solo shows inside and outside of the country.
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