The Incomparable Pagoda,” on the Dhobies’ Ghuat, Mandalay. Click on images to enlarge them.
“Our. . . Illustration is a view of the ‘Incomparable Pagoda,’ with its gorgeous Poongyee Kyoungs, now occupied by the 67th (Hampshire Regiment). The exterior of this pagoda is unlike the ordinary Burmese style of build- ing, as it is merely a mass of white stone, unrelieved by the usual carving and decorations with which the Burmese adorn their temples. An old Poongyee or priest still lives in it to keep the interior clean; he is most attentive in showing visitors over the place, and is not above accepting a douceur. The sheet of water in front is the great place of resort for company “dhobies,” who are to be seen at all hours busy at their vocation, and doing their best in effect to make holes in their masters' linen. In one of the Mandalay pagodas stands a colossal figure of Buddha, 60 ft. high, made of teak, and originally gilded all over supported by trunks of teak, 80 ft. or 90 ft. high, with another smaller figure kneeling beside him, Buldha's right hand is extended towards the city, with a gesture of benediction. We have some par- ticulars respecting the subjects of these Sketches from Lieutenant Battye, another officer of the 3rd Ghoorkas.”
You may use these images without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the Hathi Digital Library Trust and the University of Chicago and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one. — George P. Landow]
Bibliography
“Sketches in Burmah.” The Illustrated London News. 90 (15 January 1887): 82. Hathi Diigital Library Trust vesrion of a copy in the University of Chicago Library. Web. 6 December 2015.
Last modified 2 January 2016