သံကြောင်း (Than Kyaung)
Mandalay bronze casting (သံကြောင်း than kyaung) encompasses two related traditions: Buddha image casting using lost-wax technique, and temple bell casting using a clay mold system — both producing objects essential to Burmese Buddhist practice. The Mandalay tradition is linked to the Mahamuni Buddha image (one of Myanmar's most sacred objects) — copies and derivative images have been cast in Mandalay workshops for over 200 years. The bell casting tradition (hpaya-daw bell) is the most technically demanding: temple bells are cast in one pour without a seam, and the bell's pitch must be within the correct tonal range to be acceptable for temple use — assessed by the caster's ear before the mold is broken. The bronze alloy formula for bell casting (high tin content for resonance) is the critical proprietary knowledge.
Risk level: Endangered · Myanmar national ICH list
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