Location: Luang Prabang, Laos (19� 53' 0? N, 102� 8' 0? E)
Date: 5 November 2004; 11.20am
Camera: Canon EOS 300D with kit lens
I have a fascination of the door art of different cultures and traditions. Each has rather different emphasis of what their doors should look like or its significance. Hence, the Chinese uses the door as both protective as well as wealth symbolism. To Tibetans, doors are very much a functional item for protection against the harsh weather conditions. And for many Indo-Chinese cultures, the door decorations/carvings are a demonstration of their wealth. Often their doors are exquisitely craved and gilded in gold. The doors of the royal families are normally a piece of exquisite art itself such as this one at Luang Prabang. Such doors are commonly regarded as great cultural treasures and are meticulously preserved as a showpiece of architectural culture.
