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The Shwe In Bin Kyaung is acclaimed as one of the most attractive monasteries in Mandalay

This large and elegant traditional teak building was constructed by a wealthy Chinese jade merchant in 1895 to please his devoted Burmese wife. The carving is very fine in detail, and the scenes on the inside show courtly and daily life. Its tiered roof is covered in exquisite carvings, which also are featured inside the monastery.

bell and carriers

Shwe In Bin is a living monastery today, housing over 30 monks.

This attractive monastery built in traditional Burmese fashion is one of the few buildings that have survived the test of time. Constructed in 1895 by Chinese merchants, the monastery consists of many impressive woodcarvings and also contains a number of admirable works of art.

Visitors love to “discover” this peaceful oasis in southwest Mandalay city. It’s a tranquil setting for meditating, or relaxing while browsing the intricate carvings on balustrades, walls and cornices

At present there are monks that live in the monastery complex which is held up by the classical teak foundation that is often seen throughout the country but rarely in as good condition as at this illuminating site.

The Shwe In Bin Monastery is a peaceful, beautiful, and interesting place for visitors. With carved teakwood exterior, tiered roof, and surrounding wooden deck, Shwe In Bin is spectacular. Because it's omitted from many guidebooks, the monastery is free of touts and truly relaxing.

Monastic buildings and wooden houses in general, were usually set on wooden platforms that offered ventilation as well as some protection from snakes and a variety of other unwelcome and unsavory intruders. Such is the case at Shwe In Bin

Many of the wooden monasteries with architectural significance have disappeared over the centuries for a variety of reasons. Unlike the temples and stupas, which were sites of public veneration and worship, monasteries were places of residence for monks who had little or no income and were expected to accept their given conditions.

Wealthy individuals had often built elaborate monasteries and enclaves as personal donations to earn merit along the road to Nirvana. But the maintenance and renovation of these buildings did not carry the same weight among their descendents who preferred to build their own new structures

Teak is a tropical hardwood tree species Tectona grandis. It is sometimes known as the "Burmese Teak". Teak wood has a leather-like smell when it is freshly milled. Teak timber is particularly valued for its durability and water resistance, and is used for boat building, exterior construction, veneer, furniture, carving, turnings, and other small wood projects.

Natural teak forests grow only in four countries on the planet - Myanmar, India, Laos and Thailand. That’s made it expensive and it’s about to get way more expensive. Starting April 1, 2014, the Myanmar government will ban the export of virgin teak. That will deal a big blow to global supply; around 75% of the world’s teak market originates from Myanmar forests.

Text and pictures: InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound Sein Bo Tint - Burmese Traditional Orchestra leader