| John McCosh North-east view of the Great Pagoda (Shwesandaw or Temple of the Golden Hair Relic) at Prome (Pyay) 1852 Albumen print National Army Museum Negative No. 102842, Accession No. NAM. 1962-04-3-310 LL/41357 Curatorial description (accessed: 12 August 2017)
This glimpse into the splendour of Prome (Pyay) is evidence of John McCosh's (1805-1885) growing skill with his Calotype camera. By the time of the 2nd Burma War he was able to produce larger pictures, which enabled him to take landscapes as well as portraits. This picture of artillery pieces arranged outside the Great Pogoda was taken shortly after the fall of the city in July 1852. The statues are of mythical lion-like creatures called Chinthes. They are an important Burmese cultural symbol and are often found in pairs guarding the entrances to temples.
From an album of 310 photographs.
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