The creation of contemporary glass mosaics inspired by ancient Burmese glass art

Abstract

This research studies glass decorations used in religious buildings from nineteenth-century Burma. It focuses on artworks found along the inner walls of the Buddhist shrine at Shwe Yan Pyay in Nyaungshwe City. Dating from the early nineteenth century, the shrine still serves as a Buddhist learning centre in the village and is thus an invaluable source of knowledge on Burmese and Asian art. Ancient glass artworks employed different techniques, many of which have since faded from practice, such as painting under glass or using lacquer. Their study can inform art education, promote art conservation and open new creative pathways for contemporary artists. This study has researched these ancient techniques through practice-based research and offers examples of its contemporary application.