View of the stupas around the Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay, Myanmar 1887 - 1897

Felice Beato, a renowned photographer, captured this striking image of the Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay, Myanmar, between 1887 and 1897. This photograph, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the intricate details of the numerous white stupas surrounding the central pagoda, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The composition highlights the grandeur of the architectural complex, emphasizing the delicate balance between religious significance and artistic beauty, characteristic of Burmese architecture. The photograph offers a glimpse into the historical significance of the Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as the world's largest book, holding over 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. Beato's photograph captures the unique blend of history, culture, and architectural excellence that defines the Kuthodaw Pagoda.