The Mondop or Mandapa of Lanchang Art as Part of a Lost Lanchang-Lanna Architectural Tradition: A Case Study of the Mondop in Xhieng Thong Temple, Luang Praban

Abstract

The Mondop of Wat Xhiengthong in Luangprabang is an architectural feature which has not been adequately studied, because the current Mondop was destroyed and the only evidence which remains are photographs. However, recent studies show that the Mondop still lacks an investigation of its origins which reflect Lanchang art forms art, which is still missing. Hence, the researcher feels it is appropriate to research the religious architecture in this form, to expand the understanding of Laotian art.

The findings revealed that the Mondop of Wat Xhiengthong was built in approximately the middle – late 22 BC, after the temple construction, under the influence of Lanna art but using different techniques. After the construction of Wat Xhiengthong’s Mondop in the early Lanchang style, the mondop style buildings in Langchang art began to turn into different structure and developed to follow the artistic influences at that time. Such as, Mondop of Wat Sisaket in Vientiane and the Mondop that are located in front of Phra That Kong Khao Noi in Yasothorn which were built after the Mondop of Wat Xhiengthong was completed.