Borobudur: Masterpiece in Stone

"This is simply the best book ever written on the single largest Buddhist monument in the world" —Patricia Welch, author and lecturer on Asian art Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world—a masterpiece containing thousands of intricately carved panels and sculptures blending Indian art with local Javanese culture. The panels retell the lives of the Buddhas along with dozens of other tales of worldly desire and the heroics feats of enlightened beings. After viewing these, visitors ascend to open terraces at the top to enjoy majestic vistas of the surrounding landscape—an experience designed to evoke the eternal bliss of Buddhist nirvana. This book presents a detailed history of the monument as well as a description of its art and design. Author John Miksic recounts Borobudur's history from its construction in the 9th century to its rediscovery in the 19th century and multiple restorations by the Dutch colonial government, the Indonesian Government and UNESCO in the 20th century. Surveying ancient Javanese texts and contemporary scholarship, Miksic walks us through the temples main features, honing in on important details. The book includes chapters on: - History and Archaeology — How Buddhism came to Indonesia, the monument's history and construction, and what it tells us about ancient Javanese society - Architecture and Symbolism — The unique design of the monument and how it was used in ancient times - The Reliefs — The fables and stories beautifully told in hundreds of artfully-carved panels lining Borobudur's lower terraces, including the Jataka tales, the Life of Gautama Buddha and the Gandavyuha tale Borobudur: Masterpiece in Stone is sure to be treasured by anyone intending to visit Borobudur as well as all those with an interest in Buddhist art and history.