Art

Myanmar art refers to visual art created in Myanmar (Burma). Artists have been creating paintings and sculptures that reflect Burmese culture since the 1400s CE. Burmese artists have faced government interference and censorship, which has hampered the development of art in Myanmar. Burmese art incorporates key Buddhist elements such as the mudra, Jataka tales, the pagoda, and the Bodhisattva.

Art historians do not agree on a definition of Shan art. It is thought to have begun between 1550 and 1772 CE, during the period when the two kingdoms of Lan Na and Lan Xang were both supported by the Burmese. Many pieces of Shan artwork depict a Buddha seated with his right hand pointing towards the Earth; this is known as the Maravijaya Posture. The Maravijaya pose in Buddhism represents Buddha summoning the Earth Goddess to witness Gautama Shakyamuni's victory over Mara.

Sculptures in this art style were typically made of bronze before being sculpted with wood or lacquer. Traditional Shan art featured a Buddha dressed in monk's robes or adorned with a crown and decorated with various other mediums such as putty and glass. Shan sculptures are distinct and easily identified when examining the history of Burmese Buddhist art. Shan sculptures are distinguished by oval-shaped faces, soft smiles, and relaxed closed eyes. It is considered as one of the Unique Cultural Characteristics In Myanmar.