Laotian

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Scope note
Refers to the style associated with Laos located in the valley of the Upper Mekong. The hybrid style reflects Myanmar, Thai, and Khmer influences. The basis of the artistic style of this region is religion and tradition, characterized by Buddhist and Hindu iconography and narrative relief panels rooted in Theravada Buddhist and Hindu principles. Folk arts in this style feature basket making, wood and ivory carvings, and silver and gold works. In architecture, the style features temples patterned after Khmer temple mountains with sloping, stepped roofs comprised of small flat tiles, and the wihan, a rectangular building containing an altar with Buddhist images. In sculpture, the style is mostly devoted to the representation of Buddha in royal attire. Sculpture is constructed in bronze, lacquered wood, and sometimes stone and is adorned with inlaid glass or mother-of-pearl. Bas-relief sculpture is rare and is mostly found as wood murals, though mural scenes in lime mortar, stucco, or cement exist. Textile arts in the style feature silk cloth with ikat and weft designs that include dot patterns, geometric and zoomorphic motifs.
Laotian
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024