Asia Images / John Lander Photography

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
60 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Moon Window at The Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre in Udon Thani - opened in January 2013. Its aim is the preservation the art, culture, lifestyle and philosophical principles of the ancestors of the Thai-Chinese community.  The Museum of Morality is complete with interactive displays and a movie about the history of the Chinese community and also about Confucius and the Pu-Ya faith. The beautiful garden of the centre was created in Chinese style.  Its theme is  The 24 manners of gratitude, the garden of a thousand year old morality’.  In the Preecha Chairat conference hall the Pu-Ya Chinese Orchestra plays traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng,the pipa, the Chinese flute and the Chinese clarinet.
    Thai-Chinese-Cultural-Centre-Udon-13.jpg
  • Chinese Window at the Great Wave Pavilion, or Surging Waves Garden which was built by the Song Dynasty poet Su Shunqing. Surging Waves is the oldest of the UNESCO listed gardens in Suzhou and has kept its original layout. The name was taken from a verse in the poem "Fishermen" by Qu Yuan in his book Songs of the South: "If the Canglang River is dirty I wash my muddy feet - If the Canglang River is clean I wash my ribbon".  In 1955 the garden was opened to the public and in 2000 it was listed by UNESCO as world cultural heritage.
    surging-waves-garden-2.jpg
  • Decorative Chinese Window at Chao Pu-Ya Chinese Spirit Shrine -adjacent to the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre; together they form the focal point of  Chaloem Phrakiat Park.  The shrine is a large Chinese spirit shrine with a Chinese rock garden that overlooks the lake. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the lake, serving as a view point in cool, breezy and shady surroundings. The golden dragon, used during the Thung Si Mueang annual festival in December, is kept here.  Most visitors assume that Chao Pu-Ya is a part of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Cener as they are across the street from each other.
    Chao-Pu-Ya-Shrine-13.jpg
  • Decorative Chinese Window at Chao Pu-Ya Chinese Spirit Shrine -adjacent to the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre; together they form the focal point of  Chaloem Phrakiat Park.  The shrine is a large Chinese spirit shrine with a Chinese rock garden that overlooks the lake. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the lake, serving as a view point in cool, breezy and shady surroundings. The golden dragon, used during the Thung Si Mueang annual festival in December, is kept here.  Most visitors assume that Chao Pu-Ya is a part of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Cener as they are across the street from each other.
    Chao-Pu-Ya-Shrine-12.jpg
  • Decorative Chinese Window at Chao Pu-Ya Chinese Spirit Shrine -adjacent to the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre; together they form the focal point of  Chaloem Phrakiat Park.  The shrine is a large Chinese spirit shrine with a Chinese rock garden that overlooks the lake. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the lake, serving as a view point in cool, breezy and shady surroundings. The golden dragon, used during the Thung Si Mueang annual festival in December, is kept here.  Most visitors assume that Chao Pu-Ya is a part of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Cener as they are across the street from each other.
    Chao-Pu-Ya-Shrine-10.jpg
  • Decorative Chinese Window at Chao Pu-Ya Chinese Spirit Shrine -adjacent to the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre; together they form the focal point of  Chaloem Phrakiat Park.  The shrine is a large Chinese spirit shrine with a Chinese rock garden that overlooks the lake. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the lake, serving as a view point in cool, breezy and shady surroundings. The golden dragon, used during the Thung Si Mueang annual festival in December, is kept here.  Most visitors assume that Chao Pu-Ya is a part of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Cener as they are across the street from each other.
    Chao-Pu-Ya-Shrine-8.jpg
  • Decorative Chinese Window at Chao Pu-Ya Chinese Spirit Shrine -adjacent to the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre; together they form the focal point of  Chaloem Phrakiat Park.  The shrine is a large Chinese spirit shrine with a Chinese rock garden that overlooks the lake. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the lake, serving as a view point in cool, breezy and shady surroundings. The golden dragon, used during the Thung Si Mueang annual festival in December, is kept here.  Most visitors assume that Chao Pu-Ya is a part of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Cener as they are across the street from each other.
    Chao-Pu-Ya-Shrine-11.jpg
  • Decorative Chinese Window at Chao Pu-Ya Chinese Spirit Shrine -adjacent to the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre; together they form the focal point of  Chaloem Phrakiat Park.  The shrine is a large Chinese spirit shrine with a Chinese rock garden that overlooks the lake. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the lake, serving as a view point in cool, breezy and shady surroundings. The golden dragon, used during the Thung Si Mueang annual festival in December, is kept here.  Most visitors assume that Chao Pu-Ya is a part of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Cener as they are across the street from each other.
    Chao-Pu-Ya-Shrine-9.jpg
  • The Master of the Nets Garden is among the finest gardens in Suzhou and recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden demonstrates Chinese gardening skills blending art, nature and architecture to create unique masterpieces. The Master of the Nets is regarded among garden connoisseurs for having mastered the techniques of contrast, sequence, relative dimension and depth. The two dominant elements of the composition are the Barrier of Cloud grotto, a cypress tree dating from the Ming Dynasty and a pine tree several centuries old. The areas to the south of the Rosy Cloud Pool were used for social activities and the areas to the north were used for intellectual activities.
    master-of-nets-3.jpg
  • Thian Hock Keng is one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore. It is visited by Chinese giving thanks to Ma Zu, Goddess of the Sea, for safe voyages.  The construction of Thian Hock Keng was completed in 1842.  The temple was built in traditional southern Chinese architectural style. The entire structure was assembled without nails. It is an architectural masterpiece of stone, tiles and wood, dragons and phoenixes, carvings and intricate sculptures.  Thian Hock Keng was selected as a national monument of Singapore in 1973.
    thien-hock-keng-1.jpg
  • Chinatown is the residential heart of Old Malacca just west of the Malacca River, with its narrow winding streets, beautifully decorated houses, tiny shops, temples and mosques. The whole area is undergoing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and hotels catering to tourists mushrooming everywhere. However, the area still has a lot of atmosphere and is worth having a look around.
    malacca-chinatown-2.jpg
  • Hoi An Architectural Detail - the combination of  Chinese, Vietnamese and French-colonial architectural gems has given Hoi An a unique look, that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status for its intereting blend of architectural styles: 19th century stucco houses that show both influences from east and west add to the color of this eclectic mixture. Most of these beautiful buildings are well preserved and show an nteresting mix of architecture - all of which gives Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage Status.
    hoi-an-window-1.jpg
  • Moon Window at Fukushuen -  a traditional Chinese garden in Naha, Okinawa constructed in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the sister city relationship between Naha and Fuzhou, China. Kume Naha, where the garden is located, was for centuries the center of Chinese culture in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a symbol of the significant role of Chinese cultural influence in Okinawan culture and history.  The garden was built with the use of wood and stone from Fuzhou, with the help of artisans from Fuzho and therefore contains many of the elements of a traditional Chinese garden.  Several bridges extend over the pond, with koi carp and turtles: symbols of longevity and wisdom. The centerpiece of the garden is its waterfall, - the stones it flows from lead to a Chinese pavilion, allowing a view of the garden and surrounding scenery.  The Japanese concept of borrowed scenery shakkei is used, as well as local Okinawan elements of plants and trees chosen for the garden
    Fukushuen-2.jpg
  • Moon Window at Fukushuen -  a traditional Chinese garden in Naha, Okinawa constructed in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the sister city relationship between Naha and Fuzhou, China. Kume Naha, where the garden is located, was for centuries the center of Chinese culture in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a symbol of the significant role of Chinese cultural influence in Okinawan culture and history.  The garden was built with the use of wood and stone from Fuzhou, with the help of artisans from Fuzho and therefore contains many of the elements of a traditional Chinese garden.  Several bridges extend over the pond, with koi carp and turtles: symbols of longevity and wisdom. The centerpiece of the garden is its waterfall, - the stones it flows from lead to a Chinese pavilion, allowing a view of the garden and surrounding scenery.  The Japanese concept of borrowed scenery shakkei is used, as well as local Okinawan elements of plants and trees chosen for the garden
    Fukushuen-5.jpg
  • Moon Window at Fukushuen -  a traditional Chinese garden in Naha, Okinawa constructed in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the sister city relationship between Naha and Fuzhou, China. Kume Naha, where the garden is located, was for centuries the center of Chinese culture in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a symbol of the significant role of Chinese cultural influence in Okinawan culture and history.  The garden was built with the use of wood and stone from Fuzhou, with the help of artisans from Fuzho and therefore contains many of the elements of a traditional Chinese garden.  Several bridges extend over the pond, with koi carp and turtles: symbols of longevity and wisdom. The centerpiece of the garden is its waterfall, - the stones it flows from lead to a Chinese pavilion, allowing a view of the garden and surrounding scenery.  The Japanese concept of borrowed scenery shakkei is used, as well as local Okinawan elements of plants and trees chosen for the garden
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-165.jpg
  • Chinese dragons are mythical creatures in mythology and folklore. In Chinese art they are portrayed as serpentine creatures with four legs. A dragon is yang and complements a Chinese phoenix. Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize  power, particularly control over water, rain, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of good luck.
    malacca-chinatown-3.jpg
  • View out the Window of the Tibet Train - The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest rail line in the world, is usually called the Tibet Train.  Its 1,200 miles of tracks traverse 342 miles of permafrost, lots of it at altitudes exceeding 12,000 feet. The end of the line is Lhasa, Tibet. Proponents of the new railway say it will bring economic development to the Tibet and China's hinterlands as Tibet and China's far west lag behind the rest of the country, and rail connectivity promises to be a crucial tool for closing that gap.  Critics say the railway is  a political tool to strategically stitch Tibet into the fabric of China and facilitate the westward migration of ethnic Chinese.  The only thing about the train that everyone agrees on,  the the Tibet  train is an engineering marvel.
    tibet-train-6.jpg
  • Couple's Retreat Garden is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The original garden was built by Lu Jin, prefect of Baoning district, in 1874. It was purchased by Shen Bingcheng, the magistrate of Susong. who rebuilt it in its current form. He also changed the name to the Couple's Garden Retreat. This name refers to the garden's two parts and alludes to a couple:  a cowboy and weaver girl. The garden is divided into an east and west section by the residential core in the middle; an unusual composition for a classical garden. The eccentric design is continued in the form and details of many of the garden buildings especially the Taosim Tower. The West garden is composed of several structures grouped around a small grotto and a Library annex. It is structurally joined to the central residence. East Garden is the main garden of the complex. It consists of a grotto and pond ringed by a covered walkway that connects the structures.
    couples-retreat-garden-5.jpg
  • The Humble Administrator's Garden or Zhouzheng Yuan is considered to be the finest garden in all of southern China.  In 1997, along with other classical gardens of Suzhou was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. .The garden's site was initially the residence and garden of Lu Guimeng, a Tang Dynasty scholar. Later it became monastery garden for the Dahong Temple. In 1513 CE, Wang Xiancheng an Imperial Envoy and poet of the Ming Dynasty appropriated the temple. In 1510, he retired to his native home of Suzhou after long service in the East Imperial Secret Service, and began work on the garden. This garden was designed in collaboration with the renowned artist Wen Zhengming.  The garden was named after a verse by Pan Yue's Idler's Prose, "I enjoy a carefree life by planting trees and building my own house...I irrigate my garden and grow vegetables for me to eat...such a life suits a retired official like me well." This verse symbolized Wang's desire to retire from politics and adopt a hermits life.
    humble-administrators-garden-4.jpg
  • The Humble Administrator's Garden or Zhouzheng Yuan is considered to be the finest garden in all of southern China.  In 1997, along with other classical gardens of Suzhou was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. .The garden's site was initially the residence and garden of Lu Guimeng, a Tang Dynasty scholar. Later it became monastery garden for the Dahong Temple. In 1513 CE, Wang Xiancheng an Imperial Envoy and poet of the Ming Dynasty appropriated the temple. In 1510, he retired to his native home of Suzhou after long service in the East Imperial Secret Service, and began work on the garden. This garden was designed in collaboration with the renowned artist Wen Zhengming.  The garden was named after a verse by Pan Yue's Idler's Prose, "I enjoy a carefree life by planting trees and building my own house...I irrigate my garden and grow vegetables for me to eat...such a life suits a retired official like me well." This verse symbolized Wang's desire to retire from politics and adopt a hermits life.
    humble-administrators-garden-3.jpg
  • The Great Wave Pavilion, often called Surging Waves Garden, was built in 1044 by the Song Dynasty poet Su Shunqing on the site of a preexisting imperial garden. It is the oldest of the UNESCO listed gardens in Suzhou, keeping its original Song Dynasty layout.The name is derived from a verse in the poem Fishermen by Qu Yuan in his book Songs of the South, "If the Canglang River is dirty I wash my muddy feet - If the Canglang River is clean I wash my ribbon". This verse alludes to an honest official who removes himself from politics rather than act in a corrupt manner. Su Shunqing choose this to express his feelings after his removal from office.  After his death the garden passed through many owners and fell into disuse until it was restored by Song Luo, governor of Jiangsu Province.  In 1955 the garden was opened to the public and in 2000 it was added to the UNESCO world cultural heritage monuments.
    surging-waves-garden-1.jpg
  • The Great Wave Pavilion, often called Surging Waves Garden, was built in 1044 by the Song Dynasty poet Su Shunqing on the site of a preexisting imperial garden. It is the oldest of the UNESCO listed gardens in Suzhou, keeping its original Song Dynasty layout.The name is derived from a verse in the poem Fishermen by Qu Yuan in his book Songs of the South, "If the Canglang River is dirty I wash my muddy feet - If the Canglang River is clean I wash my ribbon". This verse alludes to an honest official who removes himself from politics rather than act in a corrupt manner. Su Shunqing choose this to express his feelings after his removal from office.  After his death the garden passed through many owners and fell into disuse until it was restored by Song Luo, governor of Jiangsu Province.  In 1955 the garden was opened to the public and in 2000 it was added to the UNESCO world cultural heritage monuments.
    surging-waves-garden-9.jpg
  • The Couple's Retreat Garden is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The original garden was built by Lu Jin, prefect of Baoning district and was purchased by Shen Bingcheng, the magistrate of Susong. who rebuilt it in its current form and also changed the name to the Couple's Garden Retreat. The name refers to the garden's two parts and alludes to a couple:  a cowboy and weaver girl. The garden is divided into an east and west section by the residential core in the middle - an unusual composition for a classical garden. The eccentric design is continued in the form and details of many of the garden buildings especially the Taosim Tower. The West garden is composed of several structures grouped around a small grotto. East Garden is the main garden of the complex. It consists of a grotto and pond ringed by a covered walkway that connects the structures to each other.
    couples-retreat-garden-1.jpg
  • Couple's Retreat Garden is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The original garden was built by Lu Jin, prefect of Baoning district, in 1874. It was purchased by Shen Bingcheng, the magistrate of Susong. who rebuilt it in its current form. He also changed the name to the Couple's Garden Retreat. This name refers to the garden's two parts and alludes to a couple:  a cowboy and weaver girl. The garden is divided into an east and west section by the residential core in the middle; an unusual composition for a classical garden. The eccentric design is continued in the form and details of many of the garden buildings especially the Taosim Tower. The West garden is composed of several structures grouped around a small grotto and a Library annex. It is structurally joined to the central residence. East Garden is the main garden of the complex. It consists of a grotto and pond ringed by a covered walkway that connects the structures.
    couples-retreat-garden-6.jpg
  • Moon Door at Fukushuen - a traditional Chinese garden in Naha, Okinawa constructed in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the sister city relationship between Naha and Fuzhou, China. Kume Naha, where the garden is located, was for centuries the center of Chinese culture in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a symbol of the significant role of Chinese cultural influence in Okinawan culture and history.  The garden was built with the use of wood and stone from Fuzhou, with the help of artisans from Fuzho and therefore contains many of the elements of a traditional Chinese garden.  Several bridges extend over the pond, with koi carp and turtles: symbols of longevity and wisdom. The centerpiece of the garden is its waterfall, - the stones it flows from lead to a Chinese pavilion, allowing a view of the garden and surrounding scenery.  The Japanese concept of borrowed scenery shakkei is used, as well as local Okinawan elements of plants and trees chosen for the garden
    Fukushuen-7.jpg
  • Moon Door at Fukushuen - a traditional Chinese garden in Naha, Okinawa constructed in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the sister city relationship between Naha and Fuzhou, China. Kume Naha, where the garden is located, was for centuries the center of Chinese culture in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a symbol of the significant role of Chinese cultural influence in Okinawan culture and history.  The garden was built with the use of wood and stone from Fuzhou, with the help of artisans from Fuzho and therefore contains many of the elements of a traditional Chinese garden.  Several bridges extend over the pond, with koi carp and turtles: symbols of longevity and wisdom. The centerpiece of the garden is its waterfall, - the stones it flows from lead to a Chinese pavilion, allowing a view of the garden and surrounding scenery.  The Japanese concept of borrowed scenery shakkei is used, as well as local Okinawan elements of plants and trees chosen for the garden
    fukushuen-amber-2.jpg
  • Moon Door at Fukushuen - a traditional Chinese garden in Naha, Okinawa constructed in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the sister city relationship between Naha and Fuzhou, China. Kume Naha, where the garden is located, was for centuries the center of Chinese culture in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a symbol of the significant role of Chinese cultural influence in Okinawan culture and history.  The garden was built with the use of wood and stone from Fuzhou, with the help of artisans from Fuzho and therefore contains many of the elements of a traditional Chinese garden.  Several bridges extend over the pond, with koi carp and turtles: symbols of longevity and wisdom. The centerpiece of the garden is its waterfall, - the stones it flows from lead to a Chinese pavilion, allowing a view of the garden and surrounding scenery.  The Japanese concept of borrowed scenery shakkei is used, as well as local Okinawan elements of plants and trees chosen for the garden
    Fukushuen-18.jpg
  • Wenshu Temple Garden - This Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple is the most impressive temple in Chengdu. It is dedicated to the Buddhist concept of Wisdom and contains more than 450 Buddha statues and other precious relics. In addition to the halls and gardens the temple also has a popular tea house that offers an insightful window of Chengdu daily life as it is frequented by locals who engage in games of chess, reading, knitting or just chatting with family and friends.
    wenshu-temple-garden-1.jpg
  • A-Ma Temple is said to be the place in Macau where the Portuguese first landed.  The Temple consists of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards built into the boulder strewn hill connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens. At the entrance is a large rock on which a traditional sailing junk was etched over 400 years ago. On other boulders you can see red carved characters invoking the blessings of the gods. Chinese say that touching the top of the moon gate up the hill will bring good luck in love.
    a-ma-temple-macau-2.jpg
  • A-Ma Temple is said to be the place in Macau where the Portuguese first landed.  The Temple consists of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards built into the boulder strewn hill connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens. At the entrance is a large rock on which a traditional sailing junk was etched over 400 years ago. On other boulders you can see red carved characters invoking the blessings of the gods. Chinese say that touching the top of the moon gate up the hill will bring good luck in love.
    a-ma-temple-macau-1.jpg
  • Wenshun Pagoda Teahouse, Chengdu - - In addition to the temple and garden at this Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple within its grounds is a popular teahouse that offers an insightful window of Chengdu daily life as it is frequented by locals who play games of chess, read or just chat with family and friends.
    wenshun-pagoda-teahouse-5.jpg
  • Wenshu Temple Teahouse - In addition to the halls and gardens this Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple also has a popular tea house that offers an insightful window of Chengdu daily life as it is frequented by locals who play games of chess, read or just chat with family and friends.
    wenshun-teahouse-1.jpg
  • Wenshun Pagoda Teahouse Interior - In addition to the temple and garden at this Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple within its grounds is a popular teahouse that offers an insightful window of Chengdu daily life as it is frequented by locals who play games of chess, read or just chat with family and friends.
    wenshun-teahouse-2.jpg
  • Hakusa Sonso Tea Hut - Hakusasonso Garden was built over a period of 32 years on land that was formerly rice fields. The expansive garden includes many elements found in Japanese gardens: stone lanterns, water basins, and statues. Paths of stepping stones lead through mossy, thatched gates over small bridges and among the pieces of historic stonework. The 10,000-square meter site contains buildings such as a large studio he used for large works, a teahouse, and a personal Buddhist temple. There are also many works of stone art from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The garden was built by Hashimoto Kansetsu, an artist who was a member of the Kyoto art world from 1913 to 1945. The scenery in the garden changes throughout the four seasons, resembling the landscapes painted by Kansetsu. He possessed knowledge of ancient Japanese and Chinese classical history, as well as ancient and modern calligraphy art and poetry.  After deciding to become an artist he produced paintings incorporating the styles of various schools from inside and outside Japan. He is also known for creating many gardens throughtout his life though this garden is considered his best work. Hakusasonso garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
    hakusa-sonso-4.jpg
  • Hakusa Sonso Tea Hut - Hakusasonso Garden was built over a period of 32 years on land that was formerly rice fields. The expansive garden includes many elements found in Japanese gardens: stone lanterns, water basins, and statues. Paths of stepping stones lead through mossy, thatched gates over small bridges and among the pieces of historic stonework. The 10,000-square meter site contains buildings such as a large studio he used for large works, a teahouse, and a personal Buddhist temple. There are also many works of stone art from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The garden was built by Hashimoto Kansetsu, an artist who was a member of the Kyoto art world from 1913 to 1945. The scenery in the garden changes throughout the four seasons, resembling the landscapes painted by Kansetsu. He possessed knowledge of ancient Japanese and Chinese classical history, as well as ancient and modern calligraphy art and poetry.  After deciding to become an artist he produced paintings incorporating the styles of various schools from inside and outside Japan. He is also known for creating many gardens throughtout his life though this garden is considered his best work. Hakusasonso garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
    hakusa-sonso-16.jpg
  • Hakusa Sonso Tea Hut - Hakusasonso Garden was built over a period of 32 years on land that was formerly rice fields. The expansive garden includes many elements found in Japanese gardens: stone lanterns, water basins, and statues. Paths of stepping stones lead through mossy, thatched gates over small bridges and among the pieces of historic stonework. The 10,000-square meter site contains buildings such as a large studio he used for large works, a teahouse, and a personal Buddhist temple. There are also many works of stone art from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The garden was built by Hashimoto Kansetsu, an artist who was a member of the Kyoto art world from 1913 to 1945. The scenery in the garden changes throughout the four seasons, resembling the landscapes painted by Kansetsu. He possessed knowledge of ancient Japanese and Chinese classical history, as well as ancient and modern calligraphy art and poetry.  After deciding to become an artist he produced paintings incorporating the styles of various schools from inside and outside Japan. He is also known for creating many gardens throughtout his life though this garden is considered his best work. Hakusasonso garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
    hakusa-sonso-15.jpg
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The mansion has many special architectural touches both on the exterior and the exterior, including stained glass windows, carved wood vent panels and balustrades, and many courtyards in which visitors and the original family cool off in hte inner precincts of the home.
    penang-blue-6.jpg
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The mansion has many special architectural touches both on the exterior and the exterior, including stained glass windows, carved wood vent panels and balustrades, and many courtyards in which visitors and the original family cool off in hte inner precincts of the home.
    Cheong Fatt Tze-5.jpg
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The mansion has many special architectural touches both on the exterior and the exterior, including stained glass windows, carved wood vent panels and balustrades, and many courtyards in which visitors and the original family cool off in hte inner precincts of the home.
    Cheong Fatt Tze-10.jpg
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The mansion has many special architectural touches both on the exterior and the exterior, including stained glass windows, carved wood vent panels and balustrades, and many courtyards in which visitors and the original family cool off in hte inner precincts of the home.
    Cheong Fatt Tze-7.jpg
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The mansion has many special architectural touches both on the exterior and the exterior, including stained glass windows, carved wood vent panels and balustrades, and many courtyards in which visitors and the original family cool off in hte inner precincts of the home.
    Cheong Fatt Tze-9.jpg
  • Courtyard at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion - built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The mansion has many special architectural touches both on the exterior and the exterior, including stained glass windows, carved wood vent panels and balustrades, and many courtyards in which visitors and the original family cool off in hte inner precincts of the home.
    blue-1.jpg
  • Joss Sticks Burning at Thien Hau Pagoda - <br />
Joss sticks are a type of incense used in many East Asian countries, traditionally burned before a Chinese religious image, idol or shrine. They can also be burned in front of a door, or open window as an offering to heaven.
    joss-sticks-incense.jpg
  • The Potala Palace was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the he fled to India after the invasion of Tibet in 1959.  The palace was damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese in 1959, when Chinese shells were launched into the palace's windows. Almost all of the  volumes of scriptures, historical documents and other works of art were either removed, damaged or destroyed.  Today the Potala Palace has been converted into a museum courtesy of the Chinese government.
    potala-3.jpg
  • The Potala Palace was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the invasion of Tibet in 1959.  The palace was slightly damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese in 1959, when Chinese shells were launched into the palace's windows. Almost all of the  volumes of scriptures, historical documents and other works of art were either removed, damaged or destroyed.  Today the Potala Palace has been converted into a museum by the Chinese government.
    potala-1.jpg
  • The Potala Palace was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after the invasion of Tibet in 1959.  The palace was slightly damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese in 1959, when Chinese shells were launched into the palace's windows. Almost all of the  volumes of scriptures, historical documents and other works of art were either removed, damaged or destroyed.  Today the Potala Palace has been converted into a museum by the Chinese government.
    potala-2.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - a very unique karesansui garden  set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger and wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effect of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.
    kishiwada-garden-4.jpg
  • The mansion built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The distinctive blue colour of the mansion is the result of mixing lime with natural blue dye made from the Indigo plant. The blue was very popular in the Colonial period and the dye was imported from India. The lime wash was very effective in a tropical weather as it absorbed moisture and cooled the house.
    cheong-fatt-tze-mansion-04.jpg
  • The mansion built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular louvre windows.  Other features of the house include Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The distinctive blue colour of the mansion is the result of mixing lime with natural blue dye made from the Indigo plant. The blue was very popular in the Colonial period, the dye was imported from India. The lime wash was very effective in a tropical weather as it absorbed moisture and cooled the house.
    cheong-fatt-tze-mansion-05.jpg
  • Phuket Town Architecture - One of the features of Phuket shophouses or "row houses" is the front verandahs form a sheltered walkway and intricate stucco designs often grace their facades. Many walkways and interiors are covered with ceramic tiles with elaborate European motifs.  Phuket has a long association with European trading nations:  Portugal, Great Britain and France with an established population of ethnic Chinese. Phuket City has always been a meeting place of Thai and Malays and the overall result was a fascinating mixture of architecture - therefore the look and feel of old Phuket is unique in Thailand.  These colorful sino-portuguese buildings of Phuket Town were built during the tin mining boom in the late 1800s.  Main one or two storeys tall, the architecture is similar to those found in Penang and Singapore, often called "shophouse architecture". Unique features of these buildings is the open-air entrances, louvred windows and thick walls to keep them cool in the tropics.
    phuket-vernacular-architecture-5.jpg
  • Phuket Town Architecture - One of the features of Phuket shophouses or "row houses" is the front verandahs form a sheltered walkway and intricate stucco designs often grace their facades. Many walkways and interiors are covered with ceramic tiles with elaborate European motifs.  Phuket has a long association with European trading nations:  Portugal, Great Britain and France with an established population of ethnic Chinese. Phuket City has always been a meeting place of Thai and Malays and the overall result was a fascinating mixture of architecture - therefore the look and feel of old Phuket is unique in Thailand.  These colorful sino-portuguese buildings of Phuket Town were built during the tin mining boom in the late 1800s.  Main one or two storeys tall, the architecture is similar to those found in Penang and Singapore, often called "shophouse architecture". Unique features of these buildings is the open-air entrances, louvred windows and thick walls to keep them cool in the tropics.
    phuket-vernacular-architecture-3.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - this very unique karesansui garden is set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by groups of rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. The garden was completed in 1953. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, bird/phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger or wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effects of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.  Eight stone sub-camps:  Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Snake surround the main encampment.
    kishiwada-garden-3.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - this very unique karesansui garden is set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by groups of rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. The garden was completed in 1953. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, bird/phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger or wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effects of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.  Eight stone sub-camps:  Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Snake surround the main encampment.
    kishiwada-garden-5.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - this very unique karesansui garden is set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by groups of rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. The garden was completed in 1953. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, bird/phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger or wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effects of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.  Eight stone sub-camps:  Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Snake surround the main encampment.
    kishiwada-garden-1.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - this very unique karesansui garden is set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by groups of rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. The garden was completed in 1953. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, bird/phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger or wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effects of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.  Eight stone sub-camps:  Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Snake surround the main encampment.
    kishiwada-garden-2.jpg
  • The mansion built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The distinctive blue colour of the mansion is the result of mixing lime with natural blue dye made from the Indigo plant. The blue was very popular in the Colonial period and the dye was imported from India. The lime wash was very effective in a tropical weather as it absorbed moisture and cooled the house.
    cheong-fatt-tze-mansion-06.jpg
  • Phuket Town Architecture - One of the features of Phuket shophouses or "row houses" is the front verandahs form a sheltered walkway and intricate stucco designs often grace their facades. Many walkways and interiors are covered with ceramic tiles with elaborate European motifs.  Phuket has a long association with European trading nations:  Portugal, Great Britain and France with an established population of ethnic Chinese. Phuket City has always been a meeting place of Thai and Malays and the overall result was a fascinating mixture of architecture - therefore the look and feel of old Phuket is unique in Thailand.  These colorful sino-portuguese buildings of Phuket Town were built during the tin mining boom in the late 1800s.  Main one or two storeys tall, the architecture is similar to those found in Penang and Singapore, often called "shophouse architecture". Unique features of these buildings is the open-air entrances, louvred windows and thick walls to keep them cool in the tropics.
    phuket-vernacular-architecture-4.jpg
  • Phuket Town Architecture - One of the features of Phuket shophouses or "row houses" is the front verandahs form a sheltered walkway and intricate stucco designs often grace their facades. Many walkways and interiors are covered with ceramic tiles with elaborate European motifs.  Phuket has a long association with European trading nations:  Portugal, Great Britain and France with an established population of ethnic Chinese. Phuket City has always been a meeting place of Thai and Malays and the overall result was a fascinating mixture of architecture - therefore the look and feel of old Phuket is unique in Thailand.  These colorful sino-portuguese buildings of Phuket Town were built during the tin mining boom in the late 1800s.  Main one or two storeys tall, the architecture is similar to those found in Penang and Singapore, often called "shophouse architecture". Unique features of these buildings is the open-air entrances, louvred windows and thick walls to keep them cool in the tropics.
    phuket-vernacular-architecture-2.jpg
  • Phuket Town Architecture - One of the features of Phuket shophouses or "row houses" is the front verandahs form a sheltered walkway and intricate stucco designs often grace their facades. Many walkways and interiors are covered with ceramic tiles with elaborate European motifs.  Phuket has a long association with European trading nations:  Portugal, Great Britain and France with an established population of ethnic Chinese. Phuket City has always been a meeting place of Thai and Malays and the overall result was a fascinating mixture of architecture - therefore the look and feel of old Phuket is unique in Thailand.  These colorful sino-portuguese buildings of Phuket Town were built during the tin mining boom in the late 1800s.  Main one or two storeys tall, the architecture is similar to those found in Penang and Singapore, often called "shophouse architecture". Unique features of these buildings is the open-air entrances, louvred windows and thick walls to keep them cool in the tropics.
    phuket-vernacular-architecture-1.jpg
  • The mansion built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.  Other features of the house include louvered windows, Chinese cut-and-paste porcelain work,  and Art Nouveau stained glass. The mansion was originally built with careful attention to the principles of Feng Shui: it faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it;  it has water running through it.  The distinctive blue colour of the mansion is the result of mixing lime with natural blue dye made from the Indigo plant. The blue was very popular in the Colonial period and the dye was imported from India. The lime wash was very effective in a tropical weather as it absorbed moisture and cooled the house.
    blue-mansion-1.jpg