Wat Xieng Thong Sim & Tripitaka Library, a photo from Louangphabang, North

Photographer's Note

‘Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong Sim and Tripitaka Library’

This is the photo of Wat Xieng Thong Sim in Luang Prabang that I wanted to show Gert and all of you of course.

Gert visited this temple complex in 1973 and showed us before this picture: https://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Laos/North/Louangphabang//photo931725.htm
At the time of his visit several outer walls still had a beautiful red colour which has since faded strongly.
Last year I could still find the original vibrant red colour on some interior walls but no longer on the exterior.

In the WS you can also clearly notice the difference.
WS1 shows the Tree of Life on an outside wall of the sim (the central shrine hall), already with faded colours.
The photo in WS2 was taken inside one of the structures and still has the vibrant red colour.
If I'm not mistaken, this photo shows a wall inside the building that houses a large chariot. Gert called it the 'garage'.

My main photo was taken roughly where Malgo took in 2003 her previously shown picture named ‘Red Chapel’. That 'Red Chapel' is not in my picture. It is located slightly more to the right.
Besides the Wat Xieng Thong Sim with the Tree of Life my picture also shows a structure called the ‘Tripitaka Library’.
Historically this smaller building served as a storehouse for the Tripitaka (the sacred texts of Buddhism that are divided into three sections known as baskets).
While the wat has been built in1559 and 1560, it is believed that the Tripitaka was built more recently: in 1828.

I have noticed that some photos on the internet (not on TE) are confusing the Red Chapel and the Tripitaka Library ...

And then there remains one more mystery to me.
Gert's old photo from 1973 shows the Wat Xieng Thong Sim (in the middle), the Red Chapel (on the right) and a part of a third building (on the left) that cannot be anything but the Tripitaka Library.
At least according to the plan of the temple complex, to be consulted at: https://www.orientalarchitecture.com/sid/454/laos/luang-prabang/wat-xieng-thong

BUT … in Gert's photo, the exterior walls of this building have no decorations at all !
The Tripitaka Library was built in 1828. I’ve seen it one year ago in December 2019. But in 1973 the walls were grey and without decorations. Have a look at Gert’s picture.
That brings me to the question: Gert, what did you do with that building in 1973???

pierrefonds, COSTANTINO, ikeharel, Fis2, Royaldevon, jhm, ChrisJ, ktanska, adramad, burmaman ha contrassegnato questa nota come utile

Critiques | Translate

lousat (138521) 2020-12-10 15:38

Hi Paul,I had to take a day off to read your notes and compare all the old photos ... hehe ... but in the end I'm satisfied, really interesting, it's always nice to see how things change and also how time works on textures and colors ... so ... a big thank you for the time you spent on this post. Have a nice weekend! Luciano

pierrefonds (113474) 2020-12-10 16:38

Bonsoir Paul,

Les fleurs aident au cadrage de la scène. la prise de vue permet de voir les détails du temple Wat Xieng Thong Sim et de la librairie Tripitaka. La qualité de la lumière embellit les couleurs de l'image. Bonne soirée.

Pierre

ifege (46851) 2020-12-10 21:30

Hi Paul
Another good 3 photos in our Wat Xieng Thong series. I'm sure that Gert is right up to date with it now.
cheers
Ian

Silvio1953 (220443) 2020-12-10 21:48

Ciao Paul, great view of fantastic architectures, fine details, splendid light, wonderful colors and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

jemaflor (146168) 2020-12-10 23:06

Salut Paul,
Belle présentation avec cette vue et les Ws de ces bâtiments à l'architecture et à la décoration particulièrement esthétiques avec le plus des décorations murales et puis ces teintes bien rendues, parfait ensoleillement et rendu pour bien les mettre en valeur, cette ville a tant d'atouts, c'est un plaisir d'en découvrir plusieurs aspects avec les différentes photos de tous nos amis de TE.

COSTANTINO (115407) 2020-12-10 23:19

Hello dear friend and have a nice day
and a happy weekend
these temples are perfectly
decorated..thanks for your useful
notes and WS
These details are really fine
and eye catching...
welldone
regards
Costantino

ikeharel (112391) 2020-12-11 0:37

Hello Paul,
It is always intriguing to post pictures from a place other members visited in the past, might not show much differences - but sure conveys an experience shared by other's.
Fine two edifices in the complex, bright multi-colors superbly combined on the main photo.
No-less interesting the WS's.
Have a nice friday,
Ike

Fis2 (169589) 2020-12-11 0:59

Witaj Paul!
A very interesting houese, theroofs are impressive.
Excellent framing, colors and sharpness.
Nice day.
Krzysztof

holmertz (101880) 2020-12-11 1:19

Hello Paul,
The different angles of our photos and possibly different lenses made me quite confused. I had to compare our photos carefully and read your note over and over to fully understand the differences of our photos. I thought "my" red chapel looked very much like your library, until I noticed my chapel had no window, and the roof was different. In your photo it looks like the library has been moved much closer to the sim. So why didn't you stand in exactly the same spot as I? It would have made the comparison much easier.
One conclusion can possibly be drawn: Considering the bright colours of the outer walls in 1973 they must have been restored quite recently. Maybe those responsible for the job had told each other that "one of these days we should start decorating the library too. These grey walls look so ugly now".
Best regards,
Gert

emka (157280) 2020-12-11 1:35

Hello Paul, I have looked at the three pictures and tried to analyze them. The exterior decorations are similar and it is confusing. I haven't realized that in my picture and Gert's there are two buildings visible. In fact, there are THREE similar buildings nearby - sim, chapel and library (Tripitaka). The library here is very small but taken from some points of view, a bit like here, it seems similar like the big sim. I have made a virtual tour on Google. Now I remember it clear but not all. Nowadays, I would take a hundred pictures. In 2003, I have made videos but this one is not yet digitalized and I can't see it.

Fantastic composition and thanks for the explanations. I will look at my archive again.
Have a nice weekend

MAlgo

Royaldevon (85576) 2020-12-11 2:43

Hello Paul,

This is a pin-sharp photograph capturing the beauty of these buildings, with their flowing roof shapes and amazing, patterned exteriors.
I can easily understand how the colours have faded, I originally bought some very colourful, patterned curtains and cushions, for my conservatory! The colours had muted within a couple of years and U.K. is not nearly as sunny as Laos!

I found it really interesting comparing the two shots, separated in time. My only explanation (other than Gert being a vandal) is that the the patterns had seriously faded and it was time to redress them.

Have a good w/e,
Bev :-)

jhm (211734) 2020-12-11 9:50

Goedenavond Paul,

Opnieuw een goede samenstelling, met de beide gebouwen op een foto.
Ik zie dat het hevig zonlicht wat parten speelt.
Maar ik kan mij echt voorstellen, men staat voor de gebouwen en heeft geen tijd om enkele uren te wachten, voor een betere foto.
De bloemen zijn echt een extra voor wat kleur te geven.
Algemeen goed fotowerk, bedankt.

Nog een prettig weekend gewenst,
John.

Tue (91450) 2020-12-11 10:49

Hallo Paul,
Deze twee gebouwen zijn heel mooi naast elkaar in de compositie geplaatst en de elegante kromme lijnen van de daken zijn prachtig, net als de vele andere details van architectuur. De warme tinten zorgen voor een mooi contrast met de blauwe lucht.
Lars

mkamionka (73198) 2020-12-11 11:01

Hi Paul,
beautiful traditional architecture.
The design of the roofs is so characteristic.
You had a wonderful weather over there. The sky so blue makes a great background while the flowers decorate the front of the composition.
I see in the workshop we have the close up of the painting.
No people around at all. May be they were already socially distancing :)
Beautiful presentation,
M

ChrisJ (171146) 2020-12-11 23:29

Hi Paul,

The red facades of the Wat contrast well with the blue sky. I can make out the intricate tiles decorating the walls. There is nothing I know of like this in Thailand, which is why I found this to be one of the most interesting temples in Laos. Tfs!

ktanska (44416) 2020-12-12 0:31

Hi Paul,
Wonderful view of these two buildings. Brown and gold tones go together well. Composition is balanced and roses on the foreground look lovely. Stairs are overexposed though.
Kari

adramad (72524) 2020-12-12 4:31

Hello Paul.
I thought that the temples in Laos would be similar to those in Thailand, but I see that they are very different.
This image is beautiful, the two buildings are different, I love their roofs and the decorations with paintings, the flowers in the foreground, they give beauty and color.
Good perspective of the image, very pleasing to the eye.
Colorful, sharpness and luminosity are captured effectively.
Very good composition, magnificent presentation.
Have a good weekend.
Very best regards.
Luis.

burmaman (1336) 2020-12-12 8:26

Hello Paul!
Exactly 2 years ago I was there the second time after 2005 and you bring back good memories.It is nice to see both buildings at one shot without tourists or locals.Excellent composition with these flowers in the foreground!
You managed the strong light very well and this shot is technical perfect,what is very rare at Te the last weeks , since I`m here!
Best regards,Ronny
Stay healthy!