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Wat Pho Maen Khunaram is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in 1959. It mixes Thai, Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles.
Wat Pho Maen Khunaram is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in 1959. It mixes Thai, Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles.
Wat Pho Maen Khunaram is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in 1959. It mixes Thai, Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles.
Wat Pho Maen Khunaram is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in 1959. It mixes Thai, Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles.
Wat Pho Maen Khunaram is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in 1959. It mixes Thai, Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The most revered Hindu site in Nepal is the extensive Pashupatinath Temple complex, five kilometres east of central Kathmandu. The focus of devotion here is a large silver Shivalingam with four faces of Shiva carved on its sides, making it a 'Chaturmukhi-Linga', or four-faced Shivalingam. Pashupati is one of Shiva’s 1,008 names, his manifestation as 'Lord of all Beasts' (pashu means 'beasts', pati means 'lord'); he is considered the guardian deity of Nepal.<br/><br/> The main temple building around the Shivalingam was built under King Birpalendra Malla in 1696, however the temple is said to have already existed before 533 CE. In 733 CE, King Jayadeva II erected in its precincts a stone tablet which chronicled all the kings of Nepal, beginning with the sun god. During the Muslim raids of 1349 the temple was largely destroyed, but in 1381 Jayasinharama Varddhana of Banepa restored it. Further renovations were conducted towards the end of the Malla period, and the latest extensive improvements were made in 1967.<br/><br/> Since the temple's inception, all the rulers of Nepal have taken great pains to pay their respects to it, to make donations, and to finance extensions.
In South-East Asian cuisine, 'mok', 'amok' or 'ho mok' refers to the process of steam cooking a curry in banana leaves, or to the resulting dish. Thick coconut cream and galangal are classic ingredients, added to a wide range of possible kinds of leaves and staple ingredients. Amok is major national culinary tradition in Cambodia, and also popular in Laos and Thailand. The Thai version uses the same Thai curry paste as Red curry.
Emperor Gia Long ordered the construction of Hue Citadel in 1805. The vast complex is built according to the notions of fengshui or Chinese geomancy, but following the military principles of the noted 18th century French military architect Sebastien de Vauban. The result is an unusual and elegant hybrid, a Chinese-style Imperial City carefully aligned with surrounding hills, islands and waterways, but defended by massive brick walls between 6-12 metres high and 2.5 metres thick, punctuated by towers, ramparts, a massive earth glacis, and 24 Vauban-inspired bastions.<br/><br/>The entire complex was further protected by wide moats, crossed by gracefully arched stone bridges leading to ten gates, the chief of which is Cua Ngo Mon, the south-east facing ‘Meridian Gate’. To compound the exotic hybrid effect, guard posts designed as Chinese-style miradors, complete with sweeping eaves crowned by imperial dragons, surmounted each gate. Finally, directly in front of the Ngo Mon Gate, a massive brick fort 18 metres high was constructed both as an additional barrier against malign spirits, and as a defensive redoubt.<br/><br/>The area within the Citadel - in all, 520 hectares (1300 acres) - comprises three concentric enclosures, the Civic, Imperial and Forbidden Purple Cities. Access is by way of ten fortified gates, each of which is reached by a low, arched stone bridge across the moat. In imperial times a cannon would sound at 5am and 9pm to mark the opening and closing of the gates.<br/><br/>Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty between 1802 and 1945. The tombs of several emperors lie in and around the city and along the Perfume River. Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Leal Senado Building (Portuguese for Loyal Senate) was the seat of Macau's government during its time as a Portuguese colony. The building itself was erected in 1784, and was built in a style similar to Plain style from 14th to 15th Century Portugal.<br/><br/>Macau was both the first and last European colony in China. In 1535, Portuguese traders obtained rights to anchor ships in Macau's harbours and to trade, though not the right to stay onshore. Around 1552–53, they obtained permission to erect temporary storage sheds on the island and built small houses. In 1557, the Portuguese established a permanent settlement in Macau, paying an annual rent of 500 taels of silver.<br/><br/>Macau soon became the major trafficking point for Chinese slaves, and many Chinese boys were captured in China, and sold in Lisbon or Brazil. Portugal administered the region until its handover to China on 20 December 1999. It is now best known for casinos and gambling.
Emperor Gia Long ordered the construction of Hue Citadel in 1805. The vast complex is built according to the notions of fengshui or Chinese geomancy, but following the military principles of the noted 18th century French military architect Sebastien de Vauban. The result is an unusual and elegant hybrid, a Chinese-style Imperial City carefully aligned with surrounding hills, islands and waterways, but defended by massive brick walls between 6-12 metres high and 2.5 metres thick, punctuated by towers, ramparts, a massive earth glacis, and 24 Vauban-inspired bastions.<br/><br/>The entire complex was further protected by wide moats, crossed by gracefully arched stone bridges leading to ten gates, the chief of which is Cua Ngo Mon, the south-east facing ‘Meridian Gate’. To compound the exotic hybrid effect, guard posts designed as Chinese-style miradors, complete with sweeping eaves crowned by imperial dragons, surmounted each gate. Finally, directly in front of the Ngo Mon Gate, a massive brick fort 18 metres high was constructed both as an additional barrier against malign spirits, and as a defensive redoubt.<br/><br/>The area within the Citadel - in all, 520 hectares (1300 acres) - comprises three concentric enclosures, the Civic, Imperial and Forbidden Purple Cities. Access is by way of ten fortified gates, each of which is reached by a low, arched stone bridge across the moat. In imperial times a cannon would sound at 5am and 9pm to mark the opening and closing of the gates.<br/><br/>Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty between 1802 and 1945. The tombs of several emperors lie in and around the city and along the Perfume River. Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In earlier times, Karghilik (Yecheng), a small oasis town was a starting point for trade caravans leaving the main Silk Road and heading south to Ladakh and Kashmir by way of the difficult 5,575m Karakoram Pass. Today this route is decisively closed, as the Karakoram Pass lies in an area disputed by China and India, as well as close to the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield where India confronts Pakistan.
In earlier times, Karghilik (Yecheng), a small oasis town was a starting point for trade caravans leaving the main Silk Road and heading south to Ladakh and Kashmir by way of the difficult 5,575m Karakoram Pass. Today this route is decisively closed, as the Karakoram Pass lies in an area disputed by China and India, as well as close to the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield where India confronts Pakistan.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The small Uighur-dominated oasis of Yengisar (Yingjisha) is known throughout the western Chinese province of Xinjiang for its production of handmade knives. The Small Knife Factory (Pichak Chilik Karakhana / Xiadaochang) employs skilled local craftsmen producing fine knives with inlaid handles. Just about every Uighur man carries a knife, both as a sign of manhood and for the more utilitarian purpose of cutting up melons, and the most valued (and expensive) come from Yengisar.
The Cheeltanlireem Cemetery or Golden Graveyard houses the tombs of a number of Yarkand’s former kings and dates from the 17th century CE.<br/><br/>The important oasis of Yarkand (Shache) was once the seat of an ancient Buddhist Kingdom and an important caravanserai on the Southern Silk Road. Today it is a predominantly Uighur city with a population of 375,000 producing cotton, wheat, corn and fruit (notably pomegranates, pears and grapes) as well as oil and natural gas.<br/><br/>In times past Yarkand was of particular importance as the northern terminus for the strategically significant trade route to Leh, capital of Ladakh in Indian-administered Kashmir, across the Karakoram Pass (5,575m., 18,286 ft).
Architectural drawing of art features in the Forbidden City at Huế, the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). The drawing was made for the Association des Amis du Vieux Hue (Association of the Friends of Old Hue) in the 1920s, before the disasters of 1947 and 1968. Today, less than a third of the structures inside the citadel remain.<br/><br/> In 1947 the French army shelled the building, and removed or destroyed nearly all the treasures it contained. Most of the buildings in the Forbidden City were destroyed by fire. Further massive destruction occurred when Hue’s Citadel became the symbolic centre of the 1968 Tet Offensive. Major artillery battles were fought when the National Liberation Front and North Vietnamese forces overran Hue. The US forces finally recaptured the citadel 25 days later, but not before shelling the citadel with heavy naval bombardments as well as extensive bombing from the air.<br/><br/> The former Imperial City was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and is gradually being restored.
The original Kun Iam temple was built in the 6th century CE. The present buildings date from 1627. The temple is dedicated to Kun Iam (also known as Kuan Yin and Guanyin), the Chinese representation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy.<br/><br/> Macau was both the first and last European colony in China. In 1535, Portuguese traders obtained rights to anchor ships in Macau's harbours and to trade, though not the right to stay onshore. Around 1552–53, they obtained permission to erect temporary storage sheds on the island and built small houses. In 1557, the Portuguese established a permanent settlement in Macau, paying an annual rent of 500 taels of silver.<br/><br/> Macau soon became the major trafficking point for Chinese slaves, and many Chinese boys were captured in China, and sold in Lisbon or Brazil. Portugal administered the region until its handover to China on 20 December 1999. It is now best known for casinos and gambling.
The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (Bozikeli Qian Fo Dong) are complex of Buddhist cave grottos dating from the 5th to the 9th centuries. There are 77 rock-cut caves at the site. Some ceilings are painted with a large Buddha surrounded by other figures, including Indians, Persians and Europeans. The quality of the murals vary with some being artistically naive while others are masterpieces of religious art
The Leal Senado Building (Portuguese for Loyal Senate) was the seat of Macau's government during its time as a Portuguese colony. The building itself was erected in 1784, and was built in a style similar to Plain style from 14th to 15th Century Portugal.<br/><br/>Macau was both the first and last European colony in China. In 1535, Portuguese traders obtained rights to anchor ships in Macau's harbours and to trade, though not the right to stay onshore. Around 1552–53, they obtained permission to erect temporary storage sheds on the island and built small houses. In 1557, the Portuguese established a permanent settlement in Macau, paying an annual rent of 500 taels of silver.<br/><br/>Macau soon became the major trafficking point for Chinese slaves, and many Chinese boys were captured in China, and sold in Lisbon or Brazil. Portugal administered the region until its handover to China on 20 December 1999. It is now best known for casinos and gambling.
Silk hanging with decorative bird motifs, 7th century.
Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, after whom the city was named. The city today has a population of 3.1 million. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India.<br/><br/> The city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad streets 34 m (111 ft) wide. The urban quarters are further divided by networks of gridded streets. Five quarters wrap around the east, south, and west sides of a central palace quarter, with a sixth quarter immediately to the east. The Palace quarter encloses the sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens, and a small lake. Nahargarh Fort, which was the residence of the King Sawai Jai Singh II, crowns the hill in the northwest corner of the old city. The observatory, Jantar Mantar, is a World Heritage Site.
This tapestry probably dates from the Turkish Tulunid dynasty.The designs reflect both the local Coptic tradition and finer silk fabrics of the type that was made for the Byzantine and Sasanian courts. A stylized tree of life is surrounded by sphinxes and lions framed by a medallion.
Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, after whom the city was named. The city today has a population of 3.1 million. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India.<br/><br/> The city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad streets 34 m (111 ft) wide. The urban quarters are further divided by networks of gridded streets. Five quarters wrap around the east, south, and west sides of a central palace quarter, with a sixth quarter immediately to the east. The Palace quarter encloses the sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens, and a small lake. Nahargarh Fort, which was the residence of the King Sawai Jai Singh II, crowns the hill in the northwest corner of the old city. The observatory, Jantar Mantar, is a World Heritage Site.