History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c33.s3.1

v2.c33.s3.1

One of the earliest examples existing is that at Bu-payâ, at Pagân, ascribed to the first years of the 3rd century, A.D., which although it has been repaired and renovated in later periods probably retains the original type of its design. The centre portion or bell is of bulbous form, raised on a triple base and crowned with two features, the lower one a bold torus moulding, the upper one a conical finial, with cavetto sinkings between the bell and the torus and between the latter and the finial. A similar bulbous form is found in the pagoda of Ngakwe Nadaung in the province of Myingyan, dating from the 10th century, and in a less pronounced form in the Petleik-payâ pagoda, where the torus becomes an important feature, we find here also the earliest example of the decorative bands carried about two-thirds up the bell, which has probably given rise to the idea that the upper part of the same represents the begging bowl of the mendicant monks.