|
Fine Art Masterpieces Borobudur
1. Paths to Enlightenment
 The Buddhist Legend in Stone
People think that stone is dead, but if you look at it, it changes its expression every second with the light. Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned following the 14th century decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.
The monument was discovered by Europeans during the early 19th century, became intensively admired, studied then restored twice. The restoration then was carried out between 1907 and 1911, using the principles of anastylosis and led by Theodor van Erp. During the two restorations of the monument, in the 1970s and in the early 20th century, numerous unexpected technical and architectural features were brought to the light.
Kasian Cephas's photos from the 1890's provide the basis for the first publications. Ali Meyer´s digital photography from 2009/2010 provide the demand of this century.
|
Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2.672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupa.
The murals at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha describe Theravada Buddhism, while Borobudur’s stone panels include explanations of Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism. The monument guides pilgrims through an extensive system of stairways and corridors with 1.460 narrative relief panels on the walls and the balustrades.
|
1
2
3