<資料・研究ノート>ビルマの壁画 ( IV ) : コンバウン時代を中心として

Abstract

Frescoes painted in the Konbaung period differ in various aspects from those painted in the Nyaungyan period. The main features of the latter have been described in my previous paper entitled "Wall Paintings of Burma in the Nyaungyan Period." Frescoes of the Konbaung period have the following features : (1) The contour of the face of both sexes is oval, while throughout the Nyaungyan period it was either plump quadrangular or upside-down triangular. The protuberance of one side of men's cheeks, which was a remarkable feature in the Nyaungyan period, is not found at all in the Konbaung period. (2) Men of superior position wear long robe-like garments with long sleeves instead of the short, close frocks with short sleeves resembling a T-shirt, which men in the Nyaungyan period wore without exception. They never wear trousers but long loin-cloths, called "pahso", that reach to the ankle. The hair is knotted and tied on the forehead. (3) Outside the palace women generally wear their hair in a bun on the nape of the neck. Though their costume closely resembles that of women of the Nyaungyan period, it may be noted that a long shawl is thrown loosely over the shoulders, and a "htamein", a skirt of great length, which trails upon the floor, is worn. (4) Soldiers carry muskets besides swords and spears. Foreign cannoneers and artillery men may also be found on the walls of certain temples. (5) Perspective is expressed by the upper and lower portions of walls. It can be safely assumed that the method of painting scenes, especially trees, houses and other edifices, became extremely elaborate.