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  • Bas relief ceiling at the Forbidden City, with a golden dragon motif. Dragons were known to be a protection against fire, being water based creatures at Wan Chun Ting Pavilion.
    Wan-Chun-Ting-Pavilion-2.jpg
  • Bayon Bas Relief - The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. The temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes.
    angkor-bas-relief-4.jpg
  • Bas Relief at Singapore Botanic Garden - The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a major visitor attraction boasting an array of botanical & horticultural offerings with a rich plant collection of worldwide significance. Enhancing these resources are recreational facilities, educational displays and events for visitors surrounded by nature. The garden was first set up by Stamford Raffles, who was the founder of Singapore as well as being a naturalist at Fort Canning.  The original venue closed in 1829 and moved to the present site in 1859. In 2015 the Gardens received inscription as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    bas-relief-singapore-botanic-1.jpg
  • Bas Relief at Singapore Botanic Garden - The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a major visitor attraction boasting an array of botanical & horticultural offerings with a rich plant collection of worldwide significance. Enhancing these resources are recreational facilities, educational displays and events for visitors surrounded by nature. The garden was first set up by Stamford Raffles, who was the founder of Singapore as well as being a naturalist at Fort Canning.  The original venue closed in 1829 and moved to the present site in 1859. In 2015 the Gardens received inscription as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    bas-relief-singapore-botanic-2.jpg
  • Thai Gilt Bas Relief depicting a phoenix done up in gold leaf.
    thai-gilt-bas-relief.jpg
  • Borobudor Bas Relief - Borobudur is a ninth century Mahayana Buddhist made up of six platforms and decorated with more than 2000 bas-relief panels and 500 Buddha statues. The main dome at the center of the top platform is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated among perforated stupas. The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage.
    borobudor-fresco-2.jpg
  • Borobudor Bas Relief - Borobudur is a ninth century Mahayana Buddhist made up of six platforms and decorated with more than 2000 bas-relief panels and 500 Buddha statues. The main dome at the center of the top platform is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated among perforated stupas. The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage.
    borobudor-fresco-1.jpg
  • Decorative Bas Relief at Hainan Assembly Hall - Hainan Assembly Hall or Hoi Quan Hai Nam - was built by the overseas Chinese from Hainan Province who lived in Hoi An.  Their assembly hall is used to worship Chinese merchants who were falsely accused of being pirates, later they were named as deities by Vietnamese king Tu Duc who donated money and resources to have this assembly hall built for the sake of restoring their names and as a place for ancestor worship. One of the more intricate of architectural masterpieces in UNESCO Hoi An, visitors pass through a courtyard of ornamental trees, to the main hall dedicated to the Hainan Chinese killed at sea.  The God of Wealth is worshipped on the right.
    hoi-an-dragon-bas-relief-1.jpg
  • Decorative Bas Relief at Hainan Assembly Hall - Hainan Assembly Hall or Hoi Quan Hai Nam - was built by the overseas Chinese from Hainan Province who lived in Hoi An.  Their assembly hall is used to worship Chinese merchants who were falsely accused of being pirates, later they were named as deities by Vietnamese king Tu Duc who donated money and resources to have this assembly hall built for the sake of restoring their names and as a place for ancestor worship. One of the more intricate of architectural masterpieces in UNESCO Hoi An, visitors pass through a courtyard of ornamental trees, to the main hall dedicated to the Hainan Chinese killed at sea.  The God of Wealth is worshipped on the right.
    hoi-an-dragon-bas-relief-2.jpg
  • Decorative Bas Relief at Hainan Assembly Hall - Hainan Assembly Hall or Hoi Quan Hai Nam - was built by the overseas Chinese from Hainan Province who lived in Hoi An.  Their assembly hall is used to worship Chinese merchants who were falsely accused of being pirates, later they were named as deities by Vietnamese king Tu Duc who donated money and resources to have this assembly hall built for the sake of restoring their names and as a place for ancestor worship. One of the more intricate of architectural masterpieces in UNESCO Hoi An, visitors pass through a courtyard of ornamental trees, to the main hall dedicated to the Hainan Chinese killed at sea.  The God of Wealth is worshipped on the right.
    chinese-bas-relief-1.jpg
  • Bas Relief at Hoa Loa, Hanoi Hilton Prison - The original purpose of Hoa Loa Prison or the "Hanoi Hilton"<br />
was for the French colonial system detaining of Vietnamese criminals which usually meant anti-colonial activists seen as heroes by the Vietnamese’.The prisoners themselves named it Hoa Lo meaning 'fiery furnace”.   After the French left it was used to incarcerate a new line of inmates. During the American War, US forces pilots were detained in the during its period serving as a prisoner of war camp.  During the Vietnam War  the prison got a new nickname: the Hanoi Hilton.  Memoirs by former inmates speak of torture, murder and medical neglect.  The Vietnamese maintain that American prisoners were well treated.  Surviving the Hanoi Hilton boosted the career of US Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain.
    Hoa-Loa-Prison-8.jpg
  • Bas Relief at Hoa Loa, Hanoi Hilton Prison - The original purpose of Hoa Loa Prison or the "Hanoi Hilton"<br />
was for the French colonial system detaining of Vietnamese criminals which usually meant anti-colonial activists seen as heroes by the Vietnamese’.The prisoners themselves named it Hoa Lo meaning 'fiery furnace”.   After the French left it was used to incarcerate a new line of inmates. During the American War, US forces pilots were detained in the during its period serving as a prisoner of war camp.  During the Vietnam War  the prison got a new nickname: the Hanoi Hilton.  Memoirs by former inmates speak of torture, murder and medical neglect.  The Vietnamese maintain that American prisoners were well treated.  Surviving the Hanoi Hilton boosted the career of US Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain.
    Hoa-Loa-Prison-7.jpg
  • Confucious Temple Dragon Bas Relief - The temple is a unique structure that blends the architectural styles of both Southern and Northern China. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, was born over 2,500 years ago in Shandong Province as the second son of a military man. He busied himself with study and preaching to his many disciples. His most famous writing is The Analects of Confucius. This is a record of his collected sayings, the teachings in his dialogues with his disciples, and the disciples conversations with Confucius about their beliefs. The entire mausoleum contains 20 compilations of the Sayings of Confucious in 500 sections, for a total of over 16,000 characters of The Analects of Confucius carved into marble.
    confucious-nagasaki-5.jpg
  • Bas Relief at Hoa Loa, Hanoi Hilton Prison - The original purpose of Hoa Loa Prison or the "Hanoi Hilton"<br />
was for the French colonial system detaining of Vietnamese criminals which usually meant anti-colonial activists seen as heroes by the Vietnamese’.The prisoners themselves named it Hoa Lo meaning 'fiery furnace”.   After the French left it was used to incarcerate a new line of inmates. During the American War, US forces pilots were detained in the during its period serving as a prisoner of war camp.  During the Vietnam War  the prison got a new nickname: the Hanoi Hilton.  Memoirs by former inmates speak of torture, murder and medical neglect.  The Vietnamese maintain that American prisoners were well treated.  Surviving the Hanoi Hilton boosted the career of US Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain.
    Hoa-Loa-Prison-9.jpg
  • Bas Relief at Hoa Loa, Hanoi Hilton Prison - The original purpose of Hoa Loa Prison or the "Hanoi Hilton"<br />
was for the French colonial system detaining of Vietnamese criminals which usually meant anti-colonial activists seen as heroes by the Vietnamese’.The prisoners themselves named it Hoa Lo meaning 'fiery furnace”.   After the French left it was used to incarcerate a new line of inmates. During the American War, US forces pilots were detained in the during its period serving as a prisoner of war camp.  During the Vietnam War  the prison got a new nickname: the Hanoi Hilton.  Memoirs by former inmates speak of torture, murder and medical neglect.  The Vietnamese maintain that American prisoners were well treated.  Surviving the Hanoi Hilton boosted the career of US Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain.
    Hoa-Loa-Prison-3.jpg
  • Wooden Bas Relief at San Agustin Intramuros - San Agustin Church Intramuros Manila was the only building left standing after the destruction of Intramuros during WWII.  It is the oldest church in the Philippines dating back to 1587 and filled cultural and historical objects of note including ornate frescoes on the vaulted ceiling.San Agustin has withstood seven earthquakes as well as the Battle of Manila during WWII and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    san-agustin-intramuros-7.jpg
  • Bas Relief at Hoa Loa, Hanoi Hilton Prison - The original purpose of Hoa Loa Prison or the "Hanoi Hilton"<br />
was for the French colonial system detaining of Vietnamese criminals which usually meant anti-colonial activists seen as heroes by the Vietnamese’.The prisoners themselves named it Hoa Lo meaning 'fiery furnace”.   After the French left it was used to incarcerate a new line of inmates. During the American War, US forces pilots were detained in the during its period serving as a prisoner of war camp.  During the Vietnam War  the prison got a new nickname: the Hanoi Hilton.  Memoirs by former inmates speak of torture, murder and medical neglect.  The Vietnamese maintain that American prisoners were well treated.  Surviving the Hanoi Hilton boosted the career of US Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain.
    Hoa-Loa-Prison-12.jpg
  • This Relief Map of the Philippines, located in Rizal Park (formerly known as Luneta Park), is a colorful introduction to the geography and geology of the Philippine Islands.
    rizal-park-manila-1.jpg
  • Bas relief warriors at Wat Phnom - which means "Temple of the Mountains" or "Mountain Pagoda".  Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, and the namesake for that city.
    wat-phnom-1.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien <br />
Dragons - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-7.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-13.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-14.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-12.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall Ceiling Fresco -Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-10.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien <br />
Dragons - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-8.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-11.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall Mural - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-9.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Dragons - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-4.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien <br />
Dragons - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-5.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-3.jpg
  • Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An - Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall was founded in 1690 by Fukien Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.  It contains Thien Hau goddess of the sea protector, protector of sailors. Phuoc Kien is probably the most elaborate of the assembly halls, temples and pagoda of Hoi An with more lavish and resplendent architecture, bas relief, murals, huge spiral incense coils, and large dragons.
    phuoc-kien-hoi-an-2.jpg
  • Chapel of Penitents Noirs or Chapelle des Penitents Noirs - The Confraternity of the Pénitents Noirs de la Miséricorde was founded in 1586 to assist prisoners. The confraternity established itself in the hospital Notre Dame de Fenouillet which was transformed into a chapel in the early 16th century.  The chapel is known for its striking bas relief of angels.
    chapelle-penitents-noirs-2.jpg
  • Chapel of Penitents Noirs or Chapelle des Penitents Noirs - The Confraternity of the Pénitents Noirs de la Miséricorde was founded in 1586 to assist prisoners. The confraternity established itself in the hospital Notre Dame de Fenouillet which was transformed into a chapel in the early 16th century.  The chapel is known for its striking bas relief of angels.
    chapelle-penitents-noirs-1.jpg
  • Chapel of Penitents Noirs or Chapelle des Penitents Noirs - The Confraternity of the Pénitents Noirs de la Miséricorde was founded in 1586 to assist prisoners. The confraternity established itself in the hospital Notre Dame de Fenouillet which was transformed into a chapel in the early 16th century.  The chapel is known for its striking bas relief of angels.
    chapelle-penitents-noirs-3.jpg
  • Chapel of Penitents Noirs or Chapelle des Penitents Noirs - The Confraternity of the Pénitents Noirs de la Miséricorde was founded in 1586 to assist prisoners. The confraternity established itself in the hospital Notre Dame de Fenouillet which was transformed into a chapel in the early 16th century.  The chapel is known for its striking bas relief of angels.
    chapelle-penitents-noirs-4.jpg
  • Integrated with the architecture of the building, and one of the causes for its fame is Angkor Wat's extensive decoration, which predominantly takes the form of bas-relief friezes. The inner walls of the outer gallery bear a series of large scale scenes mainly depicting episodes from the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
    angkor-bas-relief-2
  • Bayon is known for its impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and even mundane scenes such as these workmen carrying a tree.
    angkor-bas-relief-3.jpg
  • Integrated with the architecture of the building, and one of the causes for its fame is Angkor Wat's extensive decoration in the form of bas-relief friezes. The inner walls of the outer gallery bear a series of large scale scenes mainly depicting episodes from the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
    angkor-bas-relief-1.jpg
  • Borobudur is constructed in several terraces ornamented with bas-reliefs along its terraces. The first four terrace walls are showcases for bas-relief sculptures. These are considered to be the most elegant in the ancient Buddhist world, and what's more tell the story and life of the Buddha.  Borobudur was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
    borobudur-bas-relief.jpg
  • Borobudur is constructed in several terraces ornamented with bas-reliefs along its circular terraces. The first four terrace walls are showcases for bas-relief sculptures. These are considered to be the most elegant in the ancient Buddhist world, and what's more tell the story and life of the Buddha.  Borobudur was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
    borobudur-bas-relief-5.jpg
  • Along the northern shores of Hoan Kiem Lake nestled on tiny Jade Island is the site of Temple of the Jade Mountain or Ngoc Son Temple as it is known in Vietnamese. The temple was erected in the 18th century and honors Tran Hung Dao, Van Xuong and Nguyen Van Sieu.  Jade Island and Ngoc Son Temple is connected to the shore by the red, wooden Huc Bridge which means Morning Sunlight Bridge.   Surrounded by water and shaded by trees, the temple contains fine ceramics, gongs,  ancient bells and a stuffed  turtle, which weighed  250 kilos when it was alive.
    ngoc-son-hanoi-1.jpg
  • Along the northern shores of Hoan Kiem Lake nestled on tiny Jade Island is the site of Temple of the Jade Mountain or Ngoc Son Temple as it is known in Vietnamese. The temple was erected in the 18th century and honors Tran Hung Dao, Van Xuong and Nguyen Van Sieu. Jade Island and Ngoc Son Temple is connected to the shore by the red, wooden Huc Bridge which means Morning Sunlight Bridge. Surrounded by water and shaded by trees, the temple contains fine ceramics, gongs, ancient bells and a stuffed turtle, which weighed 250 kilos when it was alive.
    ngoc-son-hanoi-4.jpg
  • Toshogu Shrines are found throughout Japan. The most famous is located in Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. It is one of Japan's most popular destinations for tourists. Five structures at Nikk&#333; T&#333;sh&#333;-g&#363; are categorized as National Treasures of Japan, and three more as Important Cultural Properties.  The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys, who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.<br />
Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated.
    Tozai-Kairo-4.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Wooden Bas Relief - Ioji Temple has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple.  Ioji Temple gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. There is a small garden in front of the main hall, just after the intricately carved wooden bas releif entrance gates, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-bas-relief.jpg
  • Phra Phanan Choeng was built in 1324, twenty-six years before King U-Thong founded Ayutthaya.  The Buddha image is made of brick and mortar and covered with stucco and sits in the classic posture of Subduing Mara. Thai people call it Luang Phor To or Great Reverend Father.  It is one of the largest, oldest, beautiful and revered Buddha images of Thailand.
    wat-phanan-choeng-5.jpg
  • Pha That Luang is a Buddhist stupa in Vientiane. It was built in the 16th century under King Setthathirat on the ruins of an earlier 13th century Khmer temple. Pha That Luang was destroyed by the Thai invasion in 1828, which was heavily damaged and left abandon. A French explorer and architect came across the abandoned temple and made detailed sketches of the temple. It was not until 1900, when the French restored it to its original design. The architecture of the building includes many references to Lao culture and identity, and so has become a symbol of Lao nationalism. Relics of The Buddha are said to be contained here.
    phra-that-luang-2.jpg
  • The Tozai Kairo is a semi enclosed corridor constructed in 1636. Although its northern part was damaged in an earthquake which struck the region in 1647, the other parts that survived  remain without any alteration whatever since then. Branching out from the walls, called Sodebe, of the Yomeimon to the east and the west, the Tozai Kairo surrounds the Honden on the south, the east and the west. The corridor is decorated with 25 sculptured panels.
    Tozai-Kairo-2.jpg
  • Chinese Lion Doorknobs, Chinese architecture refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in Asia over many centuries. The structural principles of Chinese architecture have remained largely unchanged, the main changes being only the decorative details. Since the Tang Dynasty, Chinese architecture has had a major influence on the architectural styles of Korea, Vietnam and Japan.
    chinese-door-5.jpg
  • The Shugaku-in Imperial Villa (or Shugaku-in Detached Palace is a set of gardens and tea houses in the hills of the eastern Kyoto.. It is one of Japan's most important large scale cultural treasures; .Although styled as a "detached palace" often called an imperial villa.  The grounds include three separate gardens, the Lower Garden, Middle Garden and Upper Garden, of which the latter is the most important.
    japanese-door-1.jpg
  • The Shugaku-in Imperial Villa (or Shugaku-in Detached Palace is a set of gardens and tea houses in the hills of the eastern Kyoto.. It is one of Japan's most important large scale cultural treasures; .Although styled as a "detached palace" often called an imperial villa.  The grounds include three separate gardens, the Lower Garden, Middle Garden and Upper Garden, of which the latter is the most important.
    japanese-door-2.jpg
  • The Tozai Kairo is a semi enclosed corridor constructed in 1636. Although its northern part was damaged in an earthquake which struck the region in 1647, the other parts that survived  remain without any alteration whatever since then. Branching out from the walls, called Sodebe, of the Yomeimon to the east and the west, the Tozai Kairo surrounds the Honden on the south, the east and the west. The corridor is decorated with 25 sculptured panels.
    Tozai-Kairo-1.jpg
  • The Tozai Kairo is a semi enclosed corridor constructed in 1636. Although its northern part was damaged in an earthquake which struck the region in 1647, the other parts that survived  remain without any alteration whatever since then. Branching out from the walls, called Sodebe, of the Yomeimon to the east and the west, the Tozai Kairo surrounds the Honden on the south, the east and the west. The corridor is decorated with 25 sculptured panels.
    Tozai-Kairo-3.jpg
  • Chinese architecture refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in Asia over many centuries. The structural principles of Chinese architecture have remained largely unchanged, the main changes being only the decorative details. Since the Tang Dynasty, Chinese architecture has had a major influence on the architectural styles of Korea, Vietnam and Japan.
    chinese-door-2.jpg
  • Hotel des Monnaies was built in 1619 and is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque style in Avignon.  Today it is the site of the Olivier Messiaen Conservatory of Music, or Conservatoire de Musique Olivier-Messian EMOM.
    hotel-des-monnaies-5.jpg
  • Hotel des Monnaies was built in 1619 and is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque style in Avignon.  Today it is the site of the Olivier Messiaen Conservatory of Music, or Conservatoire de Musique Olivier-Messian EMOM.
    hotel-des-monnaies-3.jpg
  • Hotel des Monnaies was built in 1619 and is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque style in Avignon.  Today it is the site of the Olivier Messiaen Conservatory of Music, or Conservatoire de Musique Olivier-Messian EMOM.
    hotel-des-monnaies-4.jpg
  • Hotel des Monnaies was built in 1619 and is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque style in Avignon.  Today it is the site of the Olivier Messiaen Conservatory of Music, or Conservatoire de Musique Olivier-Messian EMOM.
    hotel-des-monnaies-2.jpg
  • Hotel des Monnaies was built in 1619 and is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque style in Avignon.  Today it is the site of the Olivier Messiaen Conservatory of Music, or Conservatoire de Musique Olivier-Messian EMOM.
    hotel-des-monnaies-1.jpg
  • Wat Phnom "Temple of the Mountains" or "Mountain Pagoda" is a Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The southwest corner of the vihear and stupa, is a small shrine dedicated to Lady Penh. which is often crowded with the faithful bringing their prayers and food offerings to the woman deemed responsible for the founding of the wat.
    wat-phnom-6.jpg
  • Yeng Keng Mansion Penang - The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of Chinese in Penang and other Straits Settlements.  Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and British, the Peranakans created a lifestyle that left a legacy of cultural influences that are still evident in Penang today especially with regards to architecture and cuisine.
    chinese-screen-1.jpg
  • Matsuzaki Edo Period Doors, A striking feature of Matsuzaki is its namako-kabe walls - a crisscross plasterwork design in gray and white used to decorate walls. The appealing harlequin patterns also fortify buildings against the typhoons that lash the peninsula from its two coasts.
    namako-kabe.jpg
  • Noda Museum Entrance - The mansion of Saheiji Mogi, one of the leading soy sauce brewers in Noda, Saitama was built around 1924.  Later the estate was donated to Noda City and repurposed as a citizen's welfare facility in the 1950s. The building, along with its garden and teahouse called Syojuan on the premises has been is designated as a Japanese tangible cultural property.  The entire grounds, focusing on the garden and teahouse are registered as a treasured monument of Japan. The facility is now used for cultural activities for local citizens. Mr Mogi was a soy sauce baron, for which Noda, Saitama is famous and is the world headquarters for Kikkoman. Over the course of time, most of the smaller soy sauce makers were merged into what is now Kikkoman.
    noda-city-museum-1.jpg
  • 28. Toshogu Shrine 日光東照宮  - Toshogu Shrines are found throughout Japan though the most famous by far is located in Nikko. The stable of the shrine's sacred horses bears a carving of the three wise monkeys who hear, speak and see no evil, a traditional symbol in Chinese and Japanese culture.  Ieyasu's son, the second shogun Hidetada, ordered the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Later, the third shogun Iemitsu had the shrine enlarged and lavishly decorated and covered with gold leaf and colored carvings.
    28.3.NIKKO-TOSHOGU-04.jpg
  • Yeng Keng Mansion Penang - The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of Chinese in Penang and other Straits Settlements.  Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and British, the Peranakans created a lifestyle that left a legacy of cultural influences that are still evident in Penang today especially with regards to architecture and cuisine.
    chinese-screen-2.jpg
  • Puri Saren is the official name of Ubud Palace, the Kings of Ubud's compound located in the center of Ubud Village. Previously used as the center of government in the empire era,.  The complex features  unique buildings ornamented by Balinese traditional interiors. Each building is designed by Balinese traditional architecture. The lush tropical garden with beautiful flowers creates a peaceful atmosphere.
    ubud-palace-03.jpg
  • Vigan Burgos Plaza Vase - as the best preserved Spanish colonial town in the Philippines Vigan is well known for its cobblestone streets and  unique architecture that fuses Philippine and Chinese design with Spanish colonial architecture.
    burgos-plaza-vigan-3.jpg
  • The Temple of Heaven, or Tiantan, is sometimes used as the very symbol of Beijing. The temple was visited regularly  visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvests. Speaking of which, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent triple-gabled circular building, 32 metres in diameter and 38 metres tall, built on three levels of marble stone base.  The building is completely wooden, using no nails in its construction.
    temple-of-heaven-4.jpg
  • The Temple of Heaven, or Tiantan, is sometimes used as the very symbol of Beijing. The temple was visited regularly  visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvests. Speaking of which, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent triple-gabled circular building, 32 metres in diameter and 38 metres tall, built on three levels of marble stone base.  The building is completely wooden, using no nails in its construction.
    temple-of-heaven-2.jpg
  • Nine Dragon Screen, Beihai Park - Built in 1756, the Nine Dragon Screen is made of glazed tiles. The screen was made to scare off evil spirits. Apparently it didn't work too well or scare off too many spirits because the temple it once guarded has long disappeared.
    nine-dragon-screen.jpg
  • The Temple of Heaven, or Tiantan, is sometimes used as the very symbol of Beijing. The temple was visited regularly  visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvests. Speaking of which, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent triple-gabled circular building, 32 metres in diameter and 38 metres tall, built on three levels of marble stone base.  The building is completely wooden, using no nails in its construction.
    temple-of-heaven-1.jpg
  • Wat That Noi, Door and Mural
    Wat-That-Luang-Luang-Prabang-3.jpg
  • Wat That Noi Door and Mural
    Wat-That-Luang-Luang-Prabang-2.jpg
  • Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, often called Wat Mai is a Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang.  It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.<br />
Built in the 18th century it is located near the Royal Palace Museum.  An emerald Buddha statue sits inside the red-gold interior
    Wat-Souvannapumaram-2.jpg
  • Koto-in Doorway - Koto-In Garden, Daitokuji Temple, Kyoto.  Koto-in was established in 1601 by Tadaoki Hosokawa. He was a famous warrior under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, studied Zen under the Daitoku-ji abbot, Seigan, and was a distinguished disciple of tea master, Sen no Rikyu. Koto-in is home to two famous tea houses, Shoko-ken and Horai.
    japanese-door.jpg
  • Hoi An is well known throughout Asia for its hand made crafts, particularly tailor made clothing.  Other specialties include silk lamps and lanterns and hard carved wooden items.
    vietnamese-lantern-1.jpg
  • The Temple of Heaven, or Tiantan, is sometimes used as the very symbol of Beijing. The temple was visited regularly  visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvests. Speaking of which, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent triple-gabled circular building, 32 metres in diameter and 38 metres tall, built on three levels of marble stone base.  The building is completely wooden, using no nails in its construction.
    temple-of-heaven-3.jpg
  • The Snake Temple in Penang was build in the memory of Chor Soo Kong by a Buddhist monk who had immigrated to Penang. Chor Soo Kong had healing powers and had given shelter to snakes when he lived in the jungle. As the story goes, snakes entered the temple after completing and have never left to pay respect to Chor Soo Kong. The Snake Temple original name was the "Temple of the Azure Cloud" in honor of the beauty of Penang's sky. The temple is dedicated to a deity called Cheng Swee Chor Soo.
    snake-temple-05.jpg
  • Sake Makers Bas-Relief, Saijo Station
    saijo-sake-2.jpg
  • Kanaya Hotel Entrance - The Nikko Kanaya Hotel occupies a unique place in Japanese history. In 1873, the founder of the Kanaya Hotel, Zenichi Kanaya, opened his residence up to visiting foreigners. In 1878, explorer and writer Isabella Bird, stayed with the Kanaya's, and wrote about the lodge in her "Unbeaten tracks in Japan" work.  The popularity of the Inn lead to extensions in 1884, and then the construction of the Kanaya Hotel on it's current site in 1893. The first telephone in Nikko was at the Kanaya Hotel in 1902, as well as a Seimens generator, purchased in 1908.
    kanaya-hotel-2.jpg
  • Chokokuji Temple Gate and Bas Relief Wooden Carvings - Chokoku-ji is a vast temple compound of Rinazai sect of Zen Buddhism in Saitama, just north of Tokyo.  It was once associated with the Ashikaga and Tokugawa  families and is now a part of Kenchoji Kamakura branch of Rinzai.  Rather than a mere tourist attraction, it is an active temple and monastery despite the fact that it is a very attractive place with landscaped Japanese gardens, an impresive gate with carved wooden bas reliefs.  Behind the main hall there is an expansive Zen garden, though it is rarely open to visitors but can be seen from the side of the building.
    chotokuji-saitama-0021.jpg
  • Chokokuji Temple Gate and Bas Relief Wooden Carvings - Chokoku-ji is a vast temple compound of Rinazai sect of Zen Buddhism in Saitama, just north of Tokyo.  It was once associated with the Ashikaga and Tokugawa  families and is now a part of Kenchoji Kamakura branch of Rinzai.  Rather than a mere tourist attraction, it is an active temple and monastery despite the fact that it is a very attractive place with landscaped Japanese gardens, an impresive gate with carved wooden bas reliefs.  Behind the main hall there is an expansive Zen garden, though it is rarely open to visitors but can be seen from the side of the building.
    chotokuji-saitama-0022.jpg
  • Chokokuji Temple Gate and Bas Relief Wooden Carvings - Chokoku-ji is a vast temple compound of Rinazai sect of Zen Buddhism in Saitama, just north of Tokyo.  It was once associated with the Ashikaga and Tokugawa  families and is now a part of Kenchoji Kamakura branch of Rinzai.  Rather than a mere tourist attraction, it is an active temple and monastery despite the fact that it is a very attractive place with landscaped Japanese gardens, an impresive gate with carved wooden bas reliefs.  Behind the main hall there is an expansive Zen garden, though it is rarely open to visitors but can be seen from the side of the building.
    chotokuji-saitama-0011.jpg
  • Gangaramaya Temple is situated near Beira Lake  in Colombo.  It has a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagoda) the Bodhi Tree.  Most notable for tourists is the architecture of the Simamalaka Shrine as well as the temple's resident elephant. Gangaramaya was the home for erudite scholars such as Ratmalana Sri Dharmarama Thero, Waskaduwa Sri Subhuti Thero, Weligama Sri Sumangala Thero, Welivitiye Dhammaratna Thero, and Pandit Batuwantudawe.  Today Gangaramaya serves not only as a place of Buddhist worship but is also a centre of learning. The temple is involved in Buddhist welfare work including homes for the elderly, a vocational school and an orphanage.
    gangaramaya-1.jpg
  • Gangaramaya Temple is situated near Beira Lake  in Colombo.  It has a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagoda) the Bodhi Tree.  Most notable for tourists is the architecture of the Simamalaka Shrine as well as the temple's resident elephant. Gangaramaya was the home for erudite scholars such as Ratmalana Sri Dharmarama Thero, Waskaduwa Sri Subhuti Thero, Weligama Sri Sumangala Thero, Welivitiye Dhammaratna Thero, and Pandit Batuwantudawe.  Today Gangaramaya serves not only as a place of Buddhist worship but is also a centre of learning. The temple is involved in Buddhist welfare work including homes for the elderly, a vocational school and an orphanage.
    gangaramaya-2.jpg
  • The Fountain of Mars is a fountain also called the Gros-Caillou fountain because of its proximity to Eglise Saint Pierre du Gros Caillou church. This neoclassical structure takes the form of a massive square base framed by engaged and molded columns, all crowned with a portico roof. The panels of the four sides are carved bas-relief of Mars on the side facing the street and decorative vases on the other three. Three bronze masks put out water though only one is still active in 2012.  The Tour Gros-Caillou is usually called Fountain of Mars because of its nearness to Champs de Mars and for its bas reliefs of Mars on its side.  Next door is a famous, Michelin starred restaurant that is named after the fountain.
    tour-mars-1.jpg
  • Bas Relief Buddha Disciples at Wat Mahathat which is made up of over 200 buildings and structures. Wat Mahathat was founded around the middle of the thirteenth Century by the Thai King Sri Intaratit.
    mahathat-sukhothai-7.jpg
  • Prasat Kravan is a small 10th century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a platform, located within the Angkor complex south of the artificial lake or baray called Srah Srang.  The modern name in Khmer, "Prasat Kravan," means "cardamom temple." The temple was dedicated to Vishnu.  The exterior of the temple is striking for its classical lines and symmetry. The sanctuaries inside the towers are remarkable for the large bas relief depictions of Vishnu and Lakshmi that have been carved into the walls of reddish brick.
    Prasat-Kravan-2.jpg
  • The sanctuaries inside the towers at Prasat Kravan are remarkable for the large bas relief depictions of Vishnu and Lakshmi that have been carved into the walls of red sandstone.
    Prasat-Kravan-1.jpg
  • Prasat Kravan is a small 10th century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a platform, located at Angkor, Cambodia south of the artificial lake or baray called Srah Srang.  The modern name in Khmer, "Prasat Kravan," means "cardamom temple." The temple was dedicated to Vishnu.  The exterior of the temple is striking for its classical lines and symmetry. The sanctuaries inside the towers are remarkable for the large bas relief depictions of Vishnu and Lakshmi that have been carved into the walls of reddish brick.
    Prasat-Kravan-3.jpg
  • Bas relief ceiling at the Forbidden City, with a golden dragon motif. Dragons were known to be a protection against fire, being water based creatures at Wan Chun Ting Pavilion.
    Wan-Chun-Ting-Pavilion-1.jpg
  • Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java.  The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular one, and is festooned with 2,672 bas-relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.  The main dome is empty, located at the center of the top platform, though it is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupas.  Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned after the 14th century because of the decline of Buddhism in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.  Worldwide knowledge of its existence was rekindled in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, at that time the British ruler of Java, who was told of its location by local Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world built over 1200 years ago.
    borobudur-3.jpg
  • Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java.  The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular one, and is festooned with 2,672 bas-relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.  The main dome is empty, located at the center of the top platform, though it is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupas.  Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned after the 14th century because of the decline of Buddhism in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.  Worldwide knowledge of its existence was rekindled in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, at that time the British ruler of Java, who was told of its location by local Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world built over 1200 years ago.
    borobudur-gate-2.jpg
  • Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java.  The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular one, and is festooned with 2,672 bas-relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.  The main dome is empty, located at the center of the top platform, though it is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupas.  Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned after the 14th century because of the decline of Buddhism in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.  Worldwide knowledge of its existence was rekindled in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, at that time the British ruler of Java, who was told of its location by local Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world built over 1200 years ago.
    borobudur-4.jpg
  • Rizal Park's history began in the early 1700s during Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon and thus was named Luneta. The park in modern times has become a local spot for families to have picnics on Sundays and holidays and a major tourist attraction of Manila. It has a small man-made lake with a replica of the Philippine archipelago in the middle. Other attractions of Rizal Park include the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Filipino People, the Orchidarium,  a children's lagoon, a chess plaza, and  a bas-relief map of the Philippine islands.
    rizal-park-manila-7.jpg
  • Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java.  The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular ones, and is festooned with more than 2000 bas-relief panels and five hundred Buddha statues.  Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned after the 14th century because of the decline of Buddhism in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. Borobudur has been preserved through several restorations and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world built over 1200 years ago.
    borobudur-buddha-4.jpg
  • Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java.  The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular one, and is festooned with 2,672 bas-relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.  The main dome is empty, located at the center of the top platform, though it is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupas.  Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned after the 14th century because of the decline of Buddhism in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.  Worldwide knowledge of its existence was rekindled in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, at that time the British ruler of Java, who was told of its location by local Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world built over 1200 years ago.
    borobudur-2.jpg
  • Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java.  The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular one, and is festooned with 2,672 bas-relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.  The main dome is empty, located at the center of the top platform, though it is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupas.  Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned after the 14th century because of the decline of Buddhism in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.  Worldwide knowledge of its existence was rekindled in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, at that time the British ruler of Java, who was told of its location by local Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world built over 1200 years ago.
    borobudur-1.jpg
  • Japanese Garden, Rizal Park - Rizal Park's history began in the early 1700s during Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon and thus was named Luneta. The park in modern times has become a local spot for families to have picnics on Sundays and holidays and a major tourist attraction of Manila. It has a small man-made lake with a replica of the Philippine archipelago in the middle. Other attractions of Rizal Park include the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Filipino People, the Orchidarium,  a children's lagoon, a chess plaza, and  a bas-relief map of the Philippine islands.
    rizal-park-manila-6.jpg
  • Rizal Park Mural, Manila - Rizal Park's history began in the early 1700s during Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon and thus was named Luneta. The park in modern times has become a local spot for families to have picnics on Sundays and holidays and a major tourist attraction of Manila. It has a small man-made lake with a replica of the Philippine archipelago in the middle. Other attractions of Rizal Park include the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Filipino People, the Orchidarium,  a children's lagoon, a chess plaza, and  a bas-relief map of the Philippine islands.
    rizal-park-manila-8.jpg
  • Rizal Park Playground - Manila's Rizal Park's history began in the early 1700s during Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon and thus was named Luneta. The park in modern times has become a local spot for families to have picnics on Sundays and holidays and a major tourist attraction of Manila. It has a small man-made lake with a replica of the Philippine archipelago in the middle. Other attractions of Rizal Park include the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Filipino People, the Orchidarium,  a children's lagoon, a chess plaza, and  a bas-relief map of the Philippine islands.
    rizal-park-manila-4.jpg
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