What is Peter Lee passionate about?

Collecting artifacts with unique narratives.

What did Peter Lee explore in Southeast Asia?

Influence of ancient empires on regional identity.

Traditional pottery-making techniques and water management.

Introduction by King Anawrahta and its influence on the region.

Centers of academia, knowledge, and societal shaping.

Peter Lee collects artifacts to uncover unique narratives from Southeast Asia's ancient empires, emphasizing the region's collective identity.
The integration of Buddhism with local beliefs and the unification efforts of King Anawrahta shaped modern-day Myanmar, showcasing the rich history and cultural influences of the region.

What is Peter Lee passionate about?
Collecting artifacts with unique narratives.
What did Peter Lee explore in Southeast Asia?
Influence of ancient empires on regional identity.
What did Peter Lee witness in Myanmar?
Traditional pottery-making techniques and water management.
What did Peter Lee learn about Buddhism in Myanmar?
Introduction by King Anawrahta and its influence on the region.
What significance do temples hold in Southeast Asia?
Centers of academia, knowledge, and societal shaping.

00:00

Peter Lee, a Singaporean scholar of Peranakan descent, is passionate about collecting artifacts that offer unique narratives.
He embarks on a journey to explore how Southeast Asia's ancient empires have influenced the region's collective identity.
Traveling to Myanmar, he delves into the history of the Pugin Empire, which dominated for over two centuries.
Peter experiences a hot-air balloon ride over central Myanmar, admiring the ancient city of Bagan with its thousand temples.
The region's traditional pottery-making techniques are showcased, with clay pots known for keeping drinking water cool.
Archaeologists reveal an 11th-century reservoir in Myanmar, highlighting the importance of water management in the Pugin Empire.
The introduction of Buddhism by King Anawrahta in Bagan led to the kingdom's growth and the arrival of the first Buddhist scriptures.
Peter witnesses a traditional dance in Josie that commemorates the Battle of will between a wild elephant and mahout.
Climbing Mount Popa, a sacred site in Myanmar, Peter explores the integration of Buddhism with local animist beliefs.
King Anawrahta's efforts to unify the Pugin Empire through cultural assimilation and diplomacy are highlighted, shaping modern-day Myanmar.

27:14

Temples have been centers of academia and knowledge, shaping society since ancient times.
Good deeds to improve karma and merit-making were common practices in the Pagani Huayra.
The Ananda Temple, completed in 1105, symbolizes purity and enlightenment through its architecture.
The temple's spire and green glazed tiles hold symbolic significance, showcasing intricate details from the Buddha's past lives.
The temple's architectural design, influenced by various cultures, reflects a mix of influences and a new Burmese identity.
Lacquerware craftsmanship in Bagan involves intricate handmade processes, taking up to 1.5 years to complete a piece.
Lacquerware, used for various items including Buddha statues and ceremonial vessels, has a rich history in Bagan.
The downfall of the Bagan Empire in the late 13th century was due to conflicts with Mongol forces, leading to the end of the empire.