Luang Prabang, Laos, is a sacred place. Known as the City of Temples, Luang Prabang hosts 33 places of worship that showcase a range of Laotian, Tai and Khmer architecture. The entire city emulates tranquility, in no small part because of the multitude of monks and novices navigating its sun-filled streets. One temple that particularly drew my attention was Haw Pha Bang (also known as Wat Ho Pha Bang).
The sun is shining down on quiet streets. Everything seems muffled; blanketed in calm and quiet. Turning down a road lined with a white wall and towering palm trees, I see it: Haw Pha Bang. A tiered roof flanked with Naga sculptures elegantly cascades towards the ground. Walls gilded in an array of ornate gold decorations gleam like beacons of light in the warm sun. Basking in the temple's glow slows my heartrate, calms my mind, and instills within me a deep feeling of peace.
Residing on the grounds of the Royal Palace Museum, Haw Pha Bang was built to house the country’s most sacred Buddha image: the Phra Bang Buddha. Construction on the temple began in 1963, but was halted by the communist Pathet Lao party in 1975, and did not resume until 1990. The temple was completed in 2006, and is now one of the city’s most recognized spiritual centres.
Each print is hand-signed, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Peace
This image is printed on archival-quality lustre (also known as pearl finish) paper, which beautifully showcases dark blacks and deep colours. The finish limits glare, and is perfect both framed or hung-up on its own.
For best results, please give prints a few days to flatten out completely before framing and/or hanging.