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Burma / Myanmar: A traditional Burmese puppet (Yoke thé) on sale, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Yangon (Rangoon). Yoke thé (lit. miniatures) is the Burmese name for marionette puppetry. Although the term can be used for marionettery in general, its usage usually refers to the local form of string puppetry. Like most of Burmese refined art, Yoke thé performances originated from Royal patronage and were gradually adapted for the wider populace. Yoke thé are almost always performed in operas.
Burma / Myanmar: A traditional Burmese puppet (Yoke thé) on sale, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Yangon (Rangoon). Yoke thé (lit. miniatures) is the Burmese name for marionette puppetry. Although the term can be used for marionettery in general, its usage usually refers to the local form of string puppetry. Like most of Burmese refined art, Yoke thé performances originated from Royal patronage and were gradually adapted for the wider populace. Yoke thé are almost always performed in operas.
Burma / Myanmar: A traditional Burmese puppet (Yoke thé) on sale, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Yangon (Rangoon). Yoke thé (lit. miniatures) is the Burmese name for marionette puppetry. Although the term can be used for marionettery in general, its usage usually refers to the local form of string puppetry. Like most of Burmese refined art, Yoke thé performances originated from Royal patronage and were gradually adapted for the wider populace. Yoke thé are almost always performed in operas.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto, more commonly known as just Susanoo or Susano-o, was a <i>kami</i> and god in the Shinto pantheon, master of storm and sea. He was born, alongside his siblings Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi, when the creator god Izanagi washed himself after his journey into the Yomi, the underworld. Susano was born from Izanagi washing his nose.<br/><br/> Susanoo was known as a hot-headed and violent man, and had a long-standing rivalry with his sister Amaterasu. After losing a chalenge to her, he raged and killed one of her attendants, destroyed her rice fields and hurled a flayed pony at her loom. For these actions, he was banished from Heaven.<br/><br/> Descending to the province of Izumo, he aided an elderly couple whose children had been devoured by the eight-headed dragon Yamato-no-Orochi. Saving their eighth daughter by turning her into a comb, and later marrying her, he fooled Orochi by setting out eight bowls of sake for it to drink and waiting till the dragon was drunk and asleep. He then cut off the dragon's heads, and retrieved a great sword from Orochi's tail, which he gifted to Amaterasu as a reconciliation gift.<br/><br/> Susanoo is enshrined at Kumano Taisha, in Shimane (formerly Izumo), and is still worshipped by Shintoists to this day.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto, more commonly known as just Susanoo or Susano-o, was a <i>kami</i> and god in the Shinto pantheon, master of storm and sea. He was born, alongside his siblings Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi, when the creator god Izanagi washed himself after his journey into the Yomi, the underworld. Susano was born from Izanagi washing his nose.<br/><br/> Susanoo was known as a hot-headed and violent man, and had a long-standing rivalry with his sister Amaterasu. After losing a chalenge to her, he raged and killed one of her attendants, destroyed her rice fields and hurled a flayed pony at her loom. For these actions, he was banished from Heaven.<br/><br/> Descending to the province of Izumo, he aided an elderly couple whose children had been devoured by the eight-headed dragon Yamato-no-Orochi. Saving their eighth daughter by turning her into a comb, and later marrying her, he fooled Orochi by setting out eight bowls of sake for it to drink and waiting till the dragon was drunk and asleep. He then cut off the dragon's heads, and retrieved a great sword from Orochi's tail, which he gifted to Amaterasu as a reconciliation gift.<br/><br/> Susanoo is enshrined at Kumano Taisha, in Shimane (formerly Izumo), and is still worshipped by Shintoists to this day.
In East Asian mythology, Yama is a <i>dharmapala</i> (wrathful god) and King of Hell. It is his duty to judge the dead and rule over the various hells and purgatories, presiding over the cycle of <i>samsara</i> (cyclic, circuitous change). Yama has spread from being a Hindu god to finding roles in Buddhism as well as in Chinese, Korean and Japanese mythology.<br/><br/> Yama's role in Theravada Buddhism is vague and not well defined, though he is still a caretaker of hell and the dead. He judges those who die to determine if they are to be reborn to earth, to the heavens or to the hells. Sometimes there are more than one Yama, each presiding over one of the distinct hells. In Tibetan Buddhism, Yama is seen as a guardian of spiritual practice, and regarded with horror for his role in the cycle of death and rebirth.<br/><br/> In Chinese mythology, and similar stories in Korea and Japan, he is primarily known as either Yanluo or King Yan, and is the god of death and overseer of the Ten Kings of Hell. He is portrayed as a large man with bulging eyes, a long beard and a scowling red face. He is both ruler and judge of the underworld, and is always found alongside his two guardians, Ox-Head and Horse-Face. Those spirits who do good are rewarded, while those who have sinned are punished and tortured.
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.
Chang'e or Chang-o, originally known as Heng'e, is the Chinese goddess of the moon. There are many tales and legends about her in Chinese mythology and folk religion, usually involving her husband Houyi, the elixir of life and the moon, and representing the origin of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.<br/><br/> The general tale goes that in the distant past, ten suns had risen up into the sky to scorch the earth and cause great calamity for the people. The suns were, in some versions of the story, the children of the Jade Emperor, and so he sent the immortal archer Hou Yi to stop their mischief. Hou Yi instead shot down nine of them, leaivng only one in the sky, and therefore was punished by being made mortal and sent down to the earth, where he lived with his wife, Chang'e. In other versions of the tale, he was mortal at first, and freely given the elixir of immortality as a reward for his efforts.<br/><br/> Whatever version of the story, he ends up with the elixir of immortality in his care, but does not consume it right away, wishing to share it with Chang'e. However, while Hou Yi was away, his apprentice Fengmeng, broke into the house and attempted to forcefuly steal the elixir. Chang'e escaped his wrath by consuming the elixir herself, becoming immortal and flying up towards the heavens, eventually landing on the moon. Hou Yi became greatly saddened at what had occurred, and gave sacrifices of fruits and cakes to her memory, and thus the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival came to be, a celebration that still occurs on the full moon night of the eighth lunar month.
Chang'e or Chang-o, originally known as Heng'e, is the Chinese goddess of the moon. There are many tales and legends about her in Chinese mythology and folk religion, usually involving her husband Houyi, the elixir of life and the moon, and representing the origin of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.<br/><br/> The general tale goes that in the distant past, ten suns had risen up into the sky to scorch the earth and cause great calamity for the people. The suns were, in some versions of the story, the children of the Jade Emperor, and so he sent the immortal archer Hou Yi to stop their mischief. Hou Yi instead shot down nine of them, leaivng only one in the sky, and therefore was punished by being made mortal and sent down to the earth, where he lived with his wife, Chang'e. In other versions of the tale, he was mortal at first, and freely given the elixir of immortality as a reward for his efforts.<br/><br/> Whatever version of the story, he ends up with the elixir of immortality in his care, but does not consume it right away, wishing to share it with Chang'e. However, while Hou Yi was away, his apprentice Fengmeng, broke into the house and attempted to forcefuly steal the elixir. Chang'e escaped his wrath by consuming the elixir herself, becoming immortal and flying up towards the heavens, eventually landing on the moon. Hou Yi became greatly saddened at what had occurred, and gave sacrifices of fruits and cakes to her memory, and thus the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival came to be, a celebration that still occurs on the full moon night of the eighth lunar month.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is famous for its five small gilded Buddha images that have been regularly covered in gold leaf to the point where the original shape is no longer visible. The images are believed to have been brought here by King Alaungsithu (1089 - 1167).<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
Yashima Gakutei was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyoka poetry and surimono woodblock works.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
Chinese communities had existed for many centuries in rural Burma and were largely formed by migrants travelling overland from China into Burma along the north-eastern trade routes and rivers.<br/><br/> The urban Chinese population of cities such as Rangoon (Yangon) originated largely during the colonial era when Chinese from the coastal provinces of China came by sea to work as merchants, among other professions.<br/><br/> In 1891 the Imperial Gazetteer of India estimated the Chinese colony in Rangoon as approximately 8,000 people, and this had increased to more than 11,000 by 1901
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (January 1, 1798 - April 14, 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. He is associated with the Utagawa school.<br/><br/> The range of Kuniyoshi's preferred subjects included many genres: landscapes, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, cats, and mythical animals. He is known for depictions of the battles of samurai and legendary heroes. His artwork was affected by Western influences in landscape painting and caricature.
Totoya Hokkei was a Japanese printmaker and book illustrator. He initially studied painting with Kano Yosen (1735-1808), the head of the Kobikicho branch of the Kano School and <i>okaeshi</i> (official painter) to the Tokugawa shogunate.<br/><br/> Together with Teisai Hokuba (1771-1844), Hokkei was one of Katsushika Hokusai's best students.
Communist propaganda in the Soviet Union was extensively based on Marxist-Leninist ideology to promote the Communist Party line.<br/><br/> Wall posters were widely used in the early days, often depicting the Red Army's triumphs for the benefit of the illiterate. This continued in World War II, still for the benefit of the less literate, with bold, simple designs.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt served as the 32nd President of the United States, from 1933 to 1945. A Democrat, he won a record four presidential elections and dominated his party after 1932 as a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic depression and total war.<br/><br/> His program for relief, recovery and reform, known as the New Deal, involved a great expansion of the role of the federal government in the economy. As a dominant leader of the Democratic Party, he built the New Deal Coalition that brought together and united labor unions, big city machines, ethnic whites, African Americans, and rural white Southerners in support of the party.<br/><br/> The Coalition significantly realigned American politics after 1932, creating the Fifth Party System and defining American liberalism throughout the middle third of the 20th century.
Chu was a hegemonic, Zhou dynasty era state. From King Wu of Chu in the early 8th century BCE, the rulers of Chu declared themselves kings on an equal footing with the Zhou kings.<br/><br/> Though initially inconsequential, removed to the south of the Zhou heartland and practising differing customs, Chu began a series of administrative reforms, becoming a successful expansionist state during the Spring and Autumn Period. With its continued expansion Chu became a great Warring States period power, and its culture a major influence on the Han dynasty.
The Tang Dynasty (June 18, 618 – June 1, 907) was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire.<br/><br/> The dynasty was interrupted briefly by the Second Zhou Dynasty (October 8, 690 – March 3, 705) when Empress Wu Zetian seized the throne, becoming the first and only Chinese empress regnant, ruling in her own right.
Born in Akyab (Sittwe) in Arakan (Rakhine), which was then part of British Burma, Hector Hugh Munro was the son of Charles Augustus Munro, an Inspector General for the Indian Imperial Police.<br/><br/> The young Hector Munro was educated at Pencarwick School in Exmouth and then as a boarder at Bedford School. In 1893 Hector Munro followed his father into the Indian Imperial Police and was posted to Burma. Two years later, having contracted malaria, he resigned and returned to England.<br/><br/> At the start of the First World War Munro was 43 and officially over-age to enlist, but he refused a commission and joined the 2nd King Edward's Horse as an ordinary trooper. In November 1916 he was sheltering in a shell crater near Beaumont-Hamel, France, during the Battle of the Ancre, when he was killed by a German sniper.<br/><br/> Saki's witty, mischievous and sometimes macabre stories satirize Edwardian society and culture. He is considered a master of the short story, and often compared to O. Henry and Dorothy Parker. Influenced by Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll and Rudyard Kipling, he himself influenced A. A. Milne, Noël Coward and P. G. Wodehouse.
The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State, and also live in Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock, and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.<br/><br/> The Shwe Indein Pagoda is a collection of Buddhist stupas dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries CE.<br/><br/> Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an altitude of 2,900 feet (880 m).<br/><br/> The people of Inle Lake (called Intha), some 70,000 of them, live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.
Amaterasu (天照), Amaterasu-ōmikami (天照大神／天照大御神) or Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is a part of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion.<br/><br/> She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. The name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning 'shining in heaven'. The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is 'the great august kami (God) who shines in the heaven'.<br/><br/> The Emperor of Japan is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu.<br/><br/> Ama-no-Iwato (天岩戸) literally means 'The cave of the sun goddess' or 'heavenly rock cave'. In Japanese mythology, Susanoo, the Japanese god of the seas, was the one who drove Amaterasu into Ame-no-Iwato. This caused the sun to hide for a long period of time.<br/><br/> In order to get Amaterasu out of the cave the other gods threw a party outside. When she heard the noise she got curious and peeked but got blinded by the mirror Yata no Kagami and so she thought they were celebrating the arrival of an even greater and brighter goddess than herself, though in reality it was her own mirror image. Then Ame-no-tajikarao forced the cave to open up the rest and the world was bathed in light once again. As Amaterasu stepped out of the cave a holy seal was applied to it so that she couldn't go back into hiding.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
Hanoi's Old Quarter lies immediately north of Ho Hoan Kiem lake. It's better known locally as Bam Sau Pho Phuong or the ‘Thirty Six Streets’. 'Phuong' means a trade guild, and most of the streets begin with the word 'hang' meaning merchandise. This ancient section of the city has long been associated with commerce, and it remains very much so today.
Hanoi's Old Quarter lies immediately north of Ho Hoan Kiem lake. It's better known locally as Bam Sau Pho Phuong or the ‘Thirty Six Streets’. 'Phuong' means a trade guild, and most of the streets begin with the word 'hang' meaning merchandise. This ancient section of the city has long been associated with commerce, and it remains very much so today.
Hanoi's Old Quarter lies immediately north of Ho Hoan Kiem lake. It's better known locally as Bam Sau Pho Phuong or the ‘Thirty Six Streets’. 'Phuong' means a trade guild, and most of the streets begin with the word 'hang' meaning merchandise. This ancient section of the city has long been associated with commerce, and it remains very much so today.
Japan: The Boatman Zhang Heng or Senkaji Cho O, one of the 'One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Water Margin', wringing out his loincloth on a riverbank, a cloth bag held in his mouth and a sword stuck in the ground beside him. Woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1863), 1827-1830. The Water Margin (known in Chinese as Shuihu Zhuan, sometimes abbreviated to Shuihu, known as Suikoden in Japanese, as well as Outlaws of the Marsh, Tale of the Marshes, All Men Are Brothers, Men of the Marshes, or The Marshes of Mount Liang in English, is a 14th century novel and one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Attributed to Shi Nai'an and written in vernacular Chinese.
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) was originally created during the Ming Dynasty, but was designed in its current form by Qing emperor Qianlong (r. 1736 - 1795). It is however Qianlong’s mother, the Qing Dowager Empress Cixi who is most irrevocably linked to the palace, since she had it restored twice during her reign, once in 1860 after it was plundered by British and French troops during the Second Opium War, and again in 1902 when foreign troops sought reprisals for the Boxer Rebellion, an anti-Christian movement.
Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木 春信4, 1724 – July 7, 1770) was a Japanese woodblock print artist, one of the most famous in the Ukiyo-e style. He was an innovator, the first to produce full-color prints (nishiki-e) in 1765, rendering obsolete the former modes of two- and three-color prints.<br/><br/> Harunobu used many special techniques, and depicted a wide variety of subjects, from classical poems to contemporary beauties (bijin, bijin-ga). Like many artists of his day, Harunobu also produced a number of shunga, or erotic images.<br/><br/> During his lifetime and shortly afterwards, many artists imitated his style. A few, such as Harushige, even boasted of their ability to forge the work of the great master. Much about Harunobu's life is unknown.
Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木 春信4, 1724 – July 7, 1770) was a Japanese woodblock print artist, one of the most famous in the Ukiyo-e style. He was an innovator, the first to produce full-color prints (nishiki-e) in 1765, rendering obsolete the former modes of two- and three-color prints.<br/><br/> Harunobu used many special techniques, and depicted a wide variety of subjects, from classical poems to contemporary beauties (bijin, bijin-ga). Like many artists of his day, Harunobu also produced a number of shunga, or erotic images.<br/><br/> During his lifetime and shortly afterwards, many artists imitated his style. A few, such as Harushige, even boasted of their ability to forge the work of the great master. Much about Harunobu's life is unknown.
The Dutch–Portuguese War was an armed conflict involving Dutch forces, in the form of the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company, against Phillip II of Spain the nominally King of Spain and Portugal possessions, even the Portuguese Empire. Beginning in 1602, the conflict primarily involved the Dutch companies invading mostly Portuguese colonies in the Americas, Africa, India and the Far East, and some Spanish possessions like Spanish Formosa.<br/><br/> The war can be thought of as an extension of the Eighty Years War and Thirty Years' War being fought in Europe at the time between Spain and the Netherlands, as Portugal was in a dynastic union with the Spanish Crown, after the 1580 Portuguese succession crisis, for most of the conflict. However, the conflict had little to do with the war in Europe and served mainly as a way for the Dutch to gain an overseas empire and control trade at the cost of the Portuguese. English forces also assisted the Dutch at certain points in the war.<br/><br/> The result of the war was that although Portugal won in South America and Africa, the Dutch were clearly the victors in the Far East and South Asia. English ambitions also greatly benefited from the long standing war between its two main rivals in the Far East.
The phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and (according to Sanchuniathon) Phoenicians.<br/><br/> A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self.<br/><br/> In China and Vietnam, the Fenghuang is a mythical bird similar to the phoenix. It is the second most-respected legendary creature (after the dragon), largely used to represent the empress and females, and as such as the counterpart to the Chinese dragon, traditionally seen as masculine or imperial. The phoenix is considered the greatest and the leader of birds.
The phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and (according to Sanchuniathon) Phoenicians.<br/><br/> A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self.<br/><br/> In China and Vietnam, the Fenghuang is a mythical bird similar to the phoenix. It is the second most-respected legendary creature (after the dragon), largely used to represent the empress and females, and as such as the counterpart to the Chinese dragon, traditionally seen as masculine or imperial. The phoenix is considered the greatest and the leader of birds.<br/><br/> Dong Ho painting (Vietnamese: Tranh Đông Hồ or Tranh làng Hồ), full name Dong Ho folk woodcut painting (Tranh khắc gỗ dân gian Đông Hồ) is a genre of Vietnamese woodcut paintings originating from Dong Ho village (làng Đông Hồ) in Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam.<br/><br/> Using the traditional điệp paper and colours derived from nature, craftsmen print Dong Ho pictures of different themes from good luck wishes, historical figures to everyday activities and folk allegories. In the past, Dong Ho painting was an essential element of the Tết holiday in Vietnam.
Yoke thé (lit. miniatures) is the Burmese name for marionette puppetry. Although the term can be used for marionettery in general, its usage usually refers to the local form of string puppetry. Like most of Burmese refined art, Yoke thé performances originated from Royal patronage and were gradually adapted for the wider populace. Yoke thé are almost always performed in operas.<br/><br/> Burmese marionettes are very intricate and dexterous as they employ 18 (for male characters) or 19 (for female) wires, each puppet controlled only by one puppeteer.
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.
Samurai is the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. By the end of the 12th century, samurai became almost entirely synonymous with bushi, and the word was closely associated with the middle and upper echelons of the warrior class.<br/><br/> The samurai followed a set of rules that came to be known as Bushidō. While they numbered less than ten percent of Japan's population, samurai teachings can still be found today in both everyday life and in martial arts such as Kendō, meaning the way of the sword.
Comfort women were women and girls forced into a prostitution corps created by the Empire of Japan during World War II. The name 'comfort women' is a translation of a Japanese name <i>ianfu</i> (慰安婦). Ianfu is a euphemism for <i>shōfu</i> (娼婦) whose meaning is 'prostitute'.<br/><br/> Estimates vary as to how many women were involved, with numbers ranging from as low as 20,000 to as high as 400,000, but the exact numbers are still being researched and debated. Many of the women were from occupied countries, including Korea, China, and the Philippines, although women from Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and other Japanese-occupied territories were used for military brothels.<br/><br/> Stations were located in Japan, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, then Malaya, Thailand, Burma, New Guinea, Hong Kong, Macau, and French Indochina. A smaller number of women of European origin from the Netherlands and Australia were also involved.
World War One was to have a devastating impact on Russia. When World War One started in August 1914, Russia responded by patriotically rallying around Nicholas II.<br/><br/> Military disasters at the Masurian Lakes and Tannenburg greatly weakened the Russian Army in the initial phases of the war. The growing influence of Gregory Rasputin over the Romanov’s did a great deal to damage the royal family and by the end of the spring of 1917, the Romanovs, who had ruled Russia for just over 300 years, were no longer in charge of a Russia that had been taken over by Kerensky and the Provisional Government.<br/><br/> By the end of 1917, the Bolsheviks led by Lenin had taken power in the major cities of Russia and introduced communist rule in those areas it controlled. The transition in Russia over the space of four years was remarkable – the fall of an autocracy and the establishment of the world’s first communist government.
Kang Yi-o (1788-?), who used the pen name Yaksan, was a grandson of the famous scholar-painter Kang Se-hwang. In this half-length, full-frontal portrait, he is depicted wearing an official's everyday pink robe (sibok) and a black silk hat.<br/><br/> The colophon at top, praising the subject's wise appearance and the realistic likeness of the picture, was written by the famous calligrapher Kim Jeong-hui.
The phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and (according to Sanchuniathon) Phoenicians.<br/><br/> A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self.<br/><br/> In China and Vietnam, the Fenghuang is a mythical bird similar to the phoenix. It is the second most-respected legendary creature (after the dragon), largely used to represent the empress and females, and as such as the counterpart to the Chinese dragon, traditionally seen as masculine or imperial. The phoenix is considered the greatest and the leader of birds.
A ninja (忍者) or shinobi (忍び) was a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan who specialized in unorthodox warfare. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination, and open combat in certain situations.<br/><br/> Their covert methods of waging war contrasted the ninja with the samurai, who observed strict rules about honor and combat. The shinobi proper, a specially trained group of spies and mercenaries, appeared in the Sengoku or 'warring states' period, in the 15th century, but antecedents may have existed in the 14th century, and possibly even in the 12th century (Heian or early Kamakura era).
Zouave was the title given to certain light infantry regiments in the French Army, normally serving in French North Africa between 1831 and 1962. The name was also adopted during the 19th century by units in other armies, especially volunteer regiments raised for service in the American Civil War. The characteristic zouave uniform included short open-fronted jackets, baggy trousers and often sashes and oriental headgear.
Pura Meduwe Karang is a Hindu temple at Kubutambahan approximately 12 km east of Singaraja in northern Bali.<br/><br/> The temple built in 1890 is dedicated to Batara Meduwe Karang (God of the land). The temple provides divine protection of crops and fertile soil. At the entrance are three rows of Ramayana images. The temple is walled and adorned with columns. There are two split gates and some pavilions.
The phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and (according to Sanchuniathon) Phoenicians.<br/><br/> A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self.<br/><br/> In China and Vietnam, the Fenghuang is a mythical bird similar to the phoenix. It is the second most-respected legendary creature (after the dragon), largely used to represent the empress and females, and as such as the counterpart to the Chinese dragon, traditionally seen as masculine or imperial. The phoenix is considered the greatest and the leader of birds.
Kitagawa Utamaro (ca. 1753 - October 31, 1806) was a Japanese printmaker and painter, who is considered one of the greatest artists of woodblock prints (ukiyo-e). He is known especially for his masterfully composed studies of women, known as bijinga. He also produced nature studies, particularly illustrated books of insects.
The phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and (according to Sanchuniathon) Phoenicians.<br/><br/> A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self.<br/><br/> In China and Vietnam, the Fenghuang is a mythical bird similar to the phoenix. It is the second most-respected legendary creature (after the dragon), largely used to represent the empress and females, and as such as the counterpart to the Chinese dragon, traditionally seen as masculine or imperial. The phoenix is considered the greatest and the leader of birds.
The phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and (according to Sanchuniathon) Phoenicians.<br/><br/> A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self.<br/><br/> In China and Vietnam, the Fenghuang is a mythical bird similar to the phoenix. It is the second most-respected legendary creature (after the dragon), largely used to represent the empress and females, and as such as the counterpart to the Chinese dragon, traditionally seen as masculine or imperial. The phoenix is considered the greatest and the leader of birds.
The phoenix is a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and (according to Sanchuniathon) Phoenicians.<br/><br/> A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self.<br/><br/> In China and Vietnam, the Fenghuang is a mythical bird similar to the phoenix. It is the second most-respected legendary creature (after the dragon), largely used to represent the empress and females, and as such as the counterpart to the Chinese dragon, traditionally seen as masculine or imperial. The phoenix is considered the greatest and the leader of birds.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
The Pa-Oh, also known as Taungthu and Black Karen, are an ethnic group in Burma, comprising approximately 600,000. They form the second largest ethnic group in Shan State, and are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock. They are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen and populate Shan State, Kayin State, and Kayah State.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
Originally 'tea' in Korean meant an aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot water over treated (but not fermented or oxidated) leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. However, nowadays 'tea' in Korea also means beverages from other sources. These are officially called 'replacement tea' (대용차).<br/><br/> Thus, Korean tea (Korean: 차 ) is a common name for a variety of herbal and plant infusion, including the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). Like brews made from tea leaves, Korean tea is prepared by combining hot water with fruits, leaves, roots, or grains. The resulting drink is served hot or cold.
O Jae-sun (1727-1792) was an erudite scholar who served in high government posts during the reign of King Jeongjo. He headed the Office of the Inspector-General (Saheonbu), Office of Special Advisors (Hongmungwan) and the Royal Secretariat (Jungchubu), among other posts.<br/><br/> This portrait was painted by Yi Myeong-gi when O Jae-sun was 65 years old