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Nga-kywe-na-daung (built c. 9th century?)

Nga-kywe-na-daung is a medium size early Pyu type brick masonry stupa. Its date of construction remains uncertain. Paul Strachan suggests that it most likely is from the 9th century because of the somewhat crude molding of its brick; tightly fitting brick apparently did not appear until the mid-10th century. Pierre Pichard suggests estimated construction in the 11th century. But each scholar totally qualifies his conclusions.

Although badly damaged and with its circular bulbous dome strengthened by steel rings after the 1975 earthquake, Nga-kywe-na-daung retains an elegance not only because it is one of only two Bagan stupas with extensive external glazed tile but also because of its unique form and its precarious solidarity. Its glazed tile suggest, to Strachan, a connection with Chinese glazing techniques , with which the Pyu were familiar. Its support bricks are c. 16.5 x 18 x 2.3 in. (42 x 21 x 6 cm) or 14 x 6.6 x 2.5 in (36 x 17 x 6.5 cm). The stupa is hollow and before the restoration was completed was accessible from above. Valuable objects, often encased in stupas, long ago disappeared to treasure hunters. The former circular terraces also no longer are extant.

Bibliography:

All images copyright 2002 by Professor Robert D. Fiala of Concordia University, Nebraska, USA

Clark, Michael and Joe Cummings. Myanmar (Burma).
  Lonely Planet Publications, 2000. Melbourne

Courtauld, Carline. Burma (Myanmar).
  Odyssey Publications, 1999. Hong Kong

Pichard, Pierre. Inventory of Monuments at Pagan, vol. 6, Monuments [numbered] 1440-1736.
  Kiscadale EFEO UNESCO, 1994. Paris

Strachan, Paul. Pagan: Art & Architecture of Old Burma, 2nd. ed.
  Kiscadale Publications, 1996. Scotland


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