The story of star-crossed lovers Suthon and Manora lives on in Thailand’s dance and drama

Manora, a mythical bird-like creature, and Buddhist prince Suthon, were separated after a murder attempt on the former.

Jana Igunma

· Jul 26, 2020 · 09:30 pm

How the 50 ‘birth-tales’ of Buddha spread from Thailand to the rest of Southeast Asia

The Paññāsa Jātaka contain stories outside the Buddhist canon.

Jana Igunma

· Jun 20, 2020 · 07:30 pm

Illustrations: The many lives of Gautama Buddha in 18th and 19th century manuscripts

The Buddha-to-be was portrayed as a mythical serpent king and the son of blind hermits.

Jana Igunma

· May 03, 2020 · 08:30 pm

How translated texts, paintings and songs brought Buddhism to the western world

Europeans first came into direct contact with Buddhist ideas in the 13th century.

Jana Igunma

· Feb 05, 2020 · 01:30 pm

Christian Europe once celebrated the story of Buddha without even knowing it

The Buddha as Josaphat became a saint in medieval Europe with his own feast day: November 27.

Jana Igunma

· Jul 04, 2019 · 08:30 pm

Photos: How ancient manuscripts have depicted the teachings of Gautam Buddha

Snapshots from the British Library’s ‘Buddhism Illuminated: Manuscript Art from Southeast Asia’.

San San May

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Jana Igunma

· Nov 15, 2018 · 09:30 pm

Ilustrations and photos from 19th century show elaborate Thai funeral traditions through history

For kings, the mourning period could last for a year, as was seen with Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October.

Jana Igunma

· Jan 06, 2018 · 11:30 pm

Pictures: How Thai manuscript art brought the background to the forefront

The background is an important part of the composition and has a significant impact on the finished artwork.

Jana Igunma

· Oct 27, 2017 · 09:30 pm

How a British diplomat helped bring Thai art to Europe

Reginald Le May lived and worked for 25 years in Siam, now Thailand, where he grew fascinated with the country’s art

Jana Igunma

· Jun 07, 2017 · 11:30 pm

Born in the Year of the Rooster? Here’s what the Thai zodiac calendar says about you

People born in this year are generally believed to be honest, competitive, punctual, generous, and confident.

Jana Igunma

 & 

Henry D Ginsburg

· Jan 28, 2017 · 08:30 pm

Harmony, serenity, watchfulness: What the deer signifies in Thai manuscripts on Buddha's birth tales

Deer are often found in the Jataka tales.

Jana Igunma

· Dec 28, 2016 · 08:30 pm

In Thai illustrations of Buddha's birth, women play a big role

Though women are not prominent in Thai Buddhist manuscripts, the illustrations are well-balanced.

Jana Igunma

· Jul 14, 2016 · 09:30 pm