Exciting new book brings Vat Sisaket murals to life

A guidebook to the Balasankhaya murals at Vat Sisaket in Vientiane was officially launched at the temple last week, providing members of the public and academics with a deep insight into the meanings of these ancient wall paintings.
The book was written by Ms Andrea Teufel, who holds an M.A. in Conservation and Restoration, specialising in wall paintings and architectural surfaces, and an M.A. in Heritage Conservation.

The cover of the guidebook about the Vat Sisaket Balasankhaya Murals.

  She has been living in South East Asia since 2003 and initiates and manages projects on cultural heritage preservation. The Balasankhaya Jataka is an extraordinary and exciting Buddhist tale of human trials and tribulations.
The story is depicted in vivid detail in the dense mural paintings at Vat Sisaket. The book gives readers a comprehensive and highly detailed view of the story in which the Bodhisattva Souvannakhoumman (the Buddha of the future) ultimately guides all right-minded beings to a peaceful and happy outcome.
The book is an entertaining and often inspiring tale, suitable for readers from 10 years old upwards. The story is presented in Lao and English with large reproductions of all the paintings in the temple, providing a general overview.
It also features countless details with numbered legends to help readers easily trace the scenes portrayed in the murals.
Publication of the book was supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Luxembourg Aid and Development, the Society for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Vientiane.
Mr Stephane-Thavideth Sivilay, who assisted with the book launch, said copies will be available for purchase at Vat Sisaket and at shops in Vientiane. The book is a treasure trove of information and is on sale at 400,000 kip.
Among those attending the book launch were staff from the German Embassy, SDC, Luxembourg Aid and Development, Society for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, ambassadors, Lao government officials, and other invited guests.
With the book launch appropriately taking place in the atmospheric courtyard outside the temple sim, guests were deeply appreciative of Ms Teufel’s work and her enthusiasm at having discovered the tales behind the ancient wall paintings, and her fortuitous meeting with a knowledgeable local resident who was able to explain the murals in great detail.  
One of the guests at the book launch, Ms Viengkham Nanthavongdouangsy, said she felt indebted to all those who had supported the writing and publication of this important book, which opened a valuable and inspiring new chapter on Lao culture and the Buddhist religion.
She was also delighted to be the proud possessor of a copy of the book, which she regarded as a treasure.

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update July 14, 2022)