Bangkok

Of the many murals at Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), my favorite is perhaps that of Hanuman sleeping.  It’s a fascinating work of narrative painting, bringing together traditional Thai iconography and extraordinary artistry. In the painting, the giant monkey god – Hanuman – lies hunched over, lulled to sleep by the melodies…

The Emerald Buddha is often characterized as the most holy image in all of Southeast Asia.  Enshrined at Wat Phra Kaew on the grounds of Thailand’s Grand Palace, the statue is believed to be the protector (or palladium) of Thai society.  With its mythical origins and supposed supernatural powers, the statue has for centuries been a focus…