Iconography and iconology : the evolution of the Buddha images in Burmese art during the Konbaung period, Myanmar (1753 CE - 1885 CE)

Abstract

Previous researchers on Burmese Buddhist art studied the iconography of the Buddha images throughout the entire art history, from the Pyu to the Mandalay period. For example, U Maung Maung Tin (M.A.) and U Win Maung (Tampawady) in 1983, Than Tun (Mawlamyine) in 2013, and Maung Maung Siri in 2019. Nevertheless, none of them analyzed the Konbaung Buddha images stylistically in depth. It is actually a gap in knowledge to be filled. Therefore, this research was conducted to document the Konbaung Buddha images, to study them through iconographical analysis, to compare their styles and characteristics, and to distinguish the various images according to different styles in each Konbaung period. In this research, the similar and distinctive characteristics of the Buddha images in the three different Konbaung periods were investigated, as were the meanings of the images in these periods, and the specificities that make the Konbaung period art unique to Myanmar. This is qualitative research based on data gathered through pragmatic observation, documentation, and dialogue with experts on the Burmese Buddhist art history. The research framework is organized around the iconological, chronological, iconographic, and comparative analysis of the data. The result shows the similarities and differences in the five important points of the images–head, face, robe, hand, and āsana, certainly demonstrate the innovative evolution of the Buddha images in Burmese Buddhist art during the three different Konbaung periods.